Traditionally a big part of ushering in the new year, fireworks once again are being considered in the state Legislature.

After years of pleas from residents, municipalities and first-responders — and failed legislative attempts — reform could be coming to Pennsylvania’s fireworks law.

State representatives and senators held a joint hearing recently on the issue and heard from many people who are frustrated by current laws.

Current law bars use of fireworks within 150 feet of occupied structures, establishes a minimum age of 18 for lighting pyrotechnics and bars use of fireworks while intoxicated.

Such rules are flouted routinely, and the law’s $100 fine for breaking the rules hardly is a deterrent.

Last year, Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks, said the state’s existing fireworks law is “broken” and suggested repealing it.

“Too many of our residents are getting hurt and even killed,” she said one year after introducing legislation that would let municipalities regulate fireworks.

The bill never moved out of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

Sen. Elder Vogel Jr., R-47th, who leads the Senate panel, sponsored legislation in 2015 to legalize the sale and use of consumer fireworks, calling it a “common sense” proposal.

Earlier this year, Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming, the author of Pennsylvania’s fireworks law, accused local authorities of trying to “pass the buck” instead of enforcing the law — arguing that it’s as simple as mandating traffic laws.

Perhaps the best outcome for the time being is to give local governments clear authority to establish their own rules for when and where fireworks may be lit and to enact tougher fines for violations.

But as long as the state allows dangerous explosives in the hands of the general public, there will continue to be tragic consequences along with lots of complaints about late-night noise.

Even stronger municipal regulations won’t erase the insurmountable challenge police and firefighters face around New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, when fireworks are going off in all directions, hour after hour.

— JGG