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New Jersey Lawmakers Pass Measure To Legalize Fireworks Sales

FORT LEE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey residents could soon be able to legally light fireworks in their backyards.

Lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Chris Christie's office to legalize the sale of certain types of fireworks for people 16 and older.

Right now, only New Jersey, Delaware and Massachusetts have a blanket ban on the sale of fireworks.

As CBS2's Jessica Moore reported, the only fireworks allowed would be non-exploding, non-aerial fireworks, like sparklers and glow worms.

"The kids were just asking about fireworks," said Chiniqua White, of Englewood, New Jersey. "Now we don't have to worry about sneaking out of town to get mine or anything. We could just go straight to get them now in New Jersey."

In a 35-1 vote, state senators agreed that outlawing fireworks doesn't mean people don't buy them. Many just travel across state lines to purchase their products, leaving thousands of dollars of tax revenue behind.

That's money that lawmakers hope will boost New Jersey's struggling economy.

But not everyone is excited about the plan, like firefighter Al Dumas.

"It's mostly the injuries -- having to get that 911 that someone's had a finger blown off, eye knocked out," Dumas said.

Added Kelly Merlo, of Ridgewood, New Jersey: "I wouldn't let the kids use them. If anything, adults can blow them off or whatever, but I wouldn't let the kids use them."

Christie's office told CBS2 it won't comment on pending legislation until the governor has had a chance to review the final draft.

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