The Fireworks Bill
March 26, 1981. Former Senate Republican Leader William Campbell of Hacienda Heights introduces a non-controversial fire safety bill which has nothing to do with fireworks.
May 18. The bill passes the Senate and is sent to the Assembly.
Aug. 19. Campbell amends the bill so it would prohibit local governments from banning the sale of so-called “safe-and-sane” fireworks, the kind manufactured by Moriarty’s Red Devil fireworks company.
Sept. 11. The bill passes the Assembly on a 42-31 vote, only one more than the 41 needed for approval, and is returned to the Senate. Of the 42 Assembly members who vote for the bill, 31 ultimately receive campaign contributions from Moriarty or his associates.
Aug. 31, 1982. The bill barely passes the Senate on a 21-16 vote--the bare majority needed for passage. Sen. John Seymour (R-Anaheim), casts the crucial 21st vote. Contributions are given to 10 of the senators who voted for the bill and to two who oppose it. The two opponents, Senate President Pro Tem David Roberti (D-Los Angeles) and Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles), receive their donations before the vote.
Sept. 30. The bill is vetoed by former Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr., despite a heavy lobbying effort.
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