Fireworks enthusiasts may have an extra week to buy firecrackers, bottle rockets and other noisemakers before the Fourth of July if the North Dakota House has anything to say about it.

State law now provides a June 27-July 5 window from which to sell fireworks. The legislation, which the House approved 63-30 on Tuesday, puts back the beginning date to June 20. The bill now goes to the state Senate for its review.

Rep. Blair Thoreson, R-Fargo, said the change would not affect rules governing when people may shoot off fireworks.

"What we're doing here is just adding one additional week to the time that retailers can sell these products," Thoreson said.

Rep. Louise "Weezie" Potter, D-Grand Forks, said local law officers and rural fire departments were opposed to the measure. They believe it will result in an earlier start on fires started by fireworks, as well as fireworks-inspired noise complaints, she said.

The bill is HB1394.

- Associated Press