Judge: Fireworks law insurance rule OK

BAY CITY, Mich. (AP) - A judge has rejected a challenge to the insurance requirement in Michigan's new law expanding the sale of fireworks.

Federal Judge Thomas Ludington in Bay City says he's not going to trump the judgment of lawmakers. He says the $10 million insurance requirement for dealers seems justified when considering the volatile nature of fireworks.

The judge last week said the insurance rule isn't the product of "irrational minds."

The state has granted hundreds of certificates to dealers wanting to sell fireworks since the law kicked in.

Consumers no longer are limited to sparklers. They can get firecrackers and fireworks that shoot in the air.