Rep. Gable files bill in North Carolina House to regulate consumer fireworks

A new bill filed by State Rep. Wyatt Gable in the North Carolina House seeks to allow consumer fireworks under regulated conditions to enhance safety and local control, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 98 on Feb. 11 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Patriotism Expression Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill, known as the Patriotism Expression Act, permits the sale, possession, and use of certain consumer fireworks in North Carolina, with specific regulations and restrictions. It amends existing statutes to allow consumer fireworks while ensuring safety requirements are met, such as age restrictions and prohibition of sales near vulnerable areas like schools and hospitals. Fireworks may only be sold by permitted retailers, with stringent conditions for obtaining permits, including age, criminal background, and insurance requirements. The bill allows counties and cities to adopt ordinances regulating fireworks sales and use, effective on Oct. 1 following adoption. The legislation also outlines penalties for violations and mandates consumer safety measures such as the provision of safety pamphlets. The act is effective Dec. 1, 2025, and applies to offenses thereafter.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Keith Kidwell proposed the most bills (14) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Gable graduated from East Carolina University in 2025 with a BS.

Gable, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 14th House district, replacing previous state representative George Cleveland.