Harless filed the bill, House Bill 152, on Nov. 10 prior to the legislative session commencing. The bill was read for the first time and referred to the County Affairs Committee on Feb. 9. HB 152 narrowly defines which fireworks would be regulated, primarily relating to missiles and fins, and does not ban any professional fireworks displays or many non-aerial fireworks. "It's not that we're opposed to fireworks," she said. "Our concern [is] the fire from the debris." Harless has made some changes this session to try to encourage the bill's passage. The bill now only applies to counties with a population of 3.3 million or more, which only affects Harris County. A clarification was also added that should the bill pass, county commissioners must call an election on the issue. "If the fireworks lobby doesn't want this, why don't we leave it up to the residents to decide?," she said. Harless said she believes the fireworks lobby may be the reason the bill has not passed previously. "There are a lot of fireworks that are manufactured in Texas, and a lot of them that are distributed across the nation that are local businesses in Texas," she said. "There's always a concern that if Harris County does some restrictions, then it could go to rural Texas or other counties." Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery said fireworks can pose a potential fire hazard during dry conditions. "Any measure that provides local control for items that are necessary to public safety makes sense and needs to be looked at," Montgomery said. He said any firework can start a fire if not handled properly. "As the county becomes more densely populated, there is a greater potential for fires," Montgomery said. "So we urge everybody if they use fireworks, use them with caution."