AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed a bill that would’ve placed some limits on fireworks use.

LePage said the bill that would’ve restricted the use of fireworks before noon and clarified that their irresponsible use could represent disorderly conduct represented “heavy-handed regulations.” He also said the bill “seeks to roll back the existing legal framework that permits the use of approved fireworks.”

Sen. Chris Johnson of Somerville said he’s received complaints from veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, parents of small children and farmers with livestock. He said the bill was aimed at providing “relief for those troubled by the irresponsible fireworks use.”

Fireworks became legal on Jan. 1, 2012. LePage said businesses that sell fireworks are important to the economy and that their interests should be protected.

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augusta, fireworks, Paul LePage, politics, veto
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