One of our readers, who has apparently had a bad experience or two with fireworks, called to ask if the city could override the state's recent legalization of them by enacting its own ban. My inclination was to say no -- under Indiana's policy of limited home rule, a local government can regulate things the state has not spoken on; but once the state has issued directives, the state's word is law. But I called the city attorney to make sure, and his office confirmed my understanding. One provision of the home-rule portions of state legislation specifically forbids local governments from controlling anything parceled out by legislation to state agencies. Last session's fireworks legislation put that issue under the direction of the state fire marshal's office.
