DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A House panel has approved a bill that would legalize the sale of more fireworks in Iowa, a move that echoes action in the Senate. Members of a ways and means subcommittee approved the bill Thursday. It now heads to a full committee for consideration. The bill would require retailers to obtain a license to legally sell firecrackers, roman candles and other fireworks. Currently, state law allows only sales of sparklers or certain “novelty fireworks.”

Several groups spoke in opposition to the bill and argued it would lead to more injuries. Rep. Matt Windschitl, a Republican from Missouri Valley and chairman of the subcommittee, says it’s important to give consumers the right to buy fireworks. A similar bill is advancing in the Senate.