A series of bills related to fireworks came before the House Rules Committee today, sparking some jokes by committee members.

The committee endorsed three bills by freshman Rep. John Burris, R-Harrison: House Bill 1146, which would prohibit the sale of fireworks within 50 feet of combustibles and require “no smoking” signs where fireworks are sold; HB 1147, which would extend the application period for public fireworks display permits from two days to five days; and HB 1152, which would allow a fireworks shooter’s licensing period to begin as soon as the application for the license is approved.

“Mr. Burris, would you agree with me that this bill (HB 1152) would probably give the vendors a little more bang for their buck?” asked Rep. Johnny Hoyt, D-Morrilton.

Rep. Greg Reep, D- Warren, questioned whether Burris had been “injured by a firecracker or something when you were young.”

“Firework safety is something that I take very seriously,” said Burris, a teacher.