Fireworks on Groundhog Day? Sparklers for Passover? Bottle rockets for Tax Day?

After the smoke clears from the New Year's fireworks, state lawmakers will consider several proposals to expand the number of days pyrotechnics can be sold via retail in Texas.

A bill submitted by a Houston lawmaker in anticipation of the upcoming state legislative session would add more than 90 religious and other holidays throughout the year to the list of holidays when fireworks sales are allowed - including such additions as Groundhog Day, Mardi Gras, Passover, Tax Day, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth and Wright Brothers Day.

Another proposal would add Labor Day to the short list that's no longer confined to the original big two - New Year's and Fourth of July. In recent years, the Legislature also has allowed fireworks sales for Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day and Memorial Day.

The 85th Legislature convenes Jan. 10 for its biennial 140-day session, during which time lawmakers could be asked to review several aspects of fireworks regulation.

Vendor locations

Beyond examining the addition of sales days, members also may hear concerns from Bexar County and other heavily populated counties about a previous change in law that enabled vendors to set up near city limits rather than a mile away. The change has prompted neighborhood safety concerns and complaints about traffic and parking snarls.

Changes to the list of authorized sales dates have been slow and hard-fought over the years, making the prospects uncertain for the measure, House Bill 412, pre-filed Nov. 18 by Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Houston. It lists 92 holidays, without specified dates, when sales would be permitted, starting with the Roman Catholic feast of the Epiphany and ending with Kwanzaa.

Also on the list are familiar holidays such as Valentine's Day, Easter, Armed Forces Day, Flag Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Yom Kippur, Dawali, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Halloween, Christmas Eve and Hanukkah. Less-familiar holidays listed include Leif Erikson Day, Child Health Day and National Tartan Day.

Previous bill stalled

Huberty couldn't be reached for comment to discuss the legislation, but according to the Austin American-Statesman, Huberty said in 2015 it was unfair for fireworks sales to be "regulated via holiday." His measure was left pending in the House State Affairs Committee.

Fireworks sales were brisk this holiday season, and no safety restrictions are in effect on sales. Some years, dry and windy conditions prompt officials to halt vending of rockets and missiles that can cause fires. Even if sales aren't prohibited, vendors sometimes withhold those items in blustery weather.