Fireworks are an American tradition to some, but their illegal status in New Jersey has some residents looking out of state to make the Fourth of July an explosive holiday.

The state Senate recently passed a resolution urging Pennsylvania to ban its merchants from selling fireworks to New Jersey residents. Under Pennsylvania law, stores can?t sell fireworks to their own residents without a special permit. However, they can sell them to people from another state.

Some state lawmakers feel Pennsylvania officials are putting money ahead of safety. Senator Anthony Bucco is co-author of the bill urging Pennsylvania to repeal its fireworks law.

As New 12 New Jersey?s I-Team found out, it was relatively easy to purchase fireworks with a New Jersey license in Pennsylvania, even though signs on the walls said fireworks are illegal in the Garden State. Store owners said the signs are required as part of a court settlement after New Jersey sued the fireworks industry for fraud.

Many state lawmakers say they feel frustrated and powerless. Bucco doubts his proposal will make a difference. However, he says he has to try and do something about the issue.

Related Information:Consumer Product Safety Commission: Fireworks Safety NJ resolution urging Pennsylvania to change its fireworks law Pennsylvania fireworks law