DES MOINES – As the Iowa legislature ponders a new bill that would legalize the sale of consumer fireworks to the public, a former legislator and advocate for veterans is saying not so fast.
Bob Krause is a retired colonel with service in the National Guard, a former legislator, a candidate for US Senate and is now, in his own words, working to improve conditions at the Iowa Veterans Home for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) veterans.
Mr. Krause is urging citizens to tell their “state legislator to kill the fireworks deregulation bill.” He says fireworks are bad for veterans suffering from PTSD “that served our nation under worst conditions.”
One of the worst reactions, Mr. Krause says, is that “PTSD triggers ‘Severe Startle Reaction.’ The federal government describes this as “excessive reactions to specific stressors that are directly or symbolically reminiscent of the trauma,” which ignited fireworks may trigger.
Mr. Krause says “dealing with chance of loud close by explosions 365 days a year tortures some vets.”
NIT reported last week that a Senate panel in Des Moines approved a bill that would make legal the sale of potentially dangerous fireworks such as firecrackers and other explosive products. The bill would need to be passed by the full Senate and then looked at in the House before going to Governor Terry Branstad’s desk. He has signaled he might be in favor of a bill loosening restrictions on the sale of consumer fireworks.
Iowa code 727.2 regulates the sale of consumer fireworks in Iowa. Anyone who offers for sale, exposes for sale, sells at retail, or uses or explodes any fireworks, commits a simple misdemeanor.
