IFSA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE by Margaret Vaughn, IFSA Lobbyist

From the May 2011 newsletter... Margaret Vaughn, IFSA Lobbyist

WINNEBAGO COUNTY FORUM
For the past two years I have worked with IFSA to coordinate a series of legislative forums in various parts of the state to give fire officials and their legislators an opportunity to come together and discuss timely issues. The most recent IFSA Forum was held for Winnebago County Fire Officials and brought out a record 7 legislators – the most we have had at a single forums so far. IFSA would like extend a special thanks to Rockford Chief Derek Bergsten for his hospitality in hosting the event.

FIREWORKS – CAR IMPOUNDMENT
SB 2005 was an initiative of IFSA to allow law enforcement to impound cars caught with illegal fireworks. The measure was sponsored by Senators AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet), Mike Noland (D-Elgin), Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and Kim Lightford (D-Maywood). A hearing was held in the Senate Transportation Committee and past IFSA President Mike Figolah joined me in testifying. The measure passed the Committee, however many of the Committee members voiced their concern that the proposal went too far and wanted us to work on an amendment with the fireworks industry to put a minimum weight limit on the amount of illegal fireworks the individual would have to possess before the car could be impounded. We argued the injury rate and public safety issue as best we could but it seemed that the issue was hitting a little too close to home and some senators admitted that their family and friends were bringing the fireworks in from out-of- state and would not want to see them so harshly punished. We felt watering down the proposal would give the impression that a small amount of fireworks is acceptable. We believe that since it only takes one firework to cause series injuries, or property damage and should not be compared to out-of-state alcohol or cigarettes for which “personal consumption or use” is acceptable. We decided this might be something that would be better pursued at the local municipal level. We also did not want a state weight standard for impoundment in case a unit of local government wanted to make it lower.

FIREWORKS – BILLBOARDS
We worked out an agreement for a Public Service Campaign on fireworks safety which would be funded by the fireworks industry (rather than IFSA). Four fireworks companies have agreed to donate money towards the production of 10 vinyl billboards ranging in size from 14ft x 48ft to 20ft x 60ft which would be placed on Illinois’ expressways and the Illinois Outdoor Advertising Association will donate the space. We had the choice of doing vinyl boards or poster paper which are much less expensive but are smaller, on non-interstate or expressways, and can only be used once. We hope to have the billboards up in June and will re-evaluate the program for next season.