ST. PAUL — The state of Minnesota is one step closer to being quite a bit more explosive.

A bill allowing more powerful fireworks to be sold in Minnesota passed the Senate floor Tuesday with a vote of 41-22. The bill would allow for the sale of larger, aerial fireworks, including roman candles, to be sold in-state.

“It passed convincingly in the Senate,” said Sen. Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin.

While more potent fireworks do pose public safety issues, Sparks said, many people bring them into Minnesota anyway from bordering states like Wisconsin. It would be best to capture the dollars from those sales locally and be able to regulate their sale, he said.

Rep. Jeanne Poppe, DFL-Austin, agreed that the bill causes concern for some groups, especially firefighters and medical staff, and was optimistic about the bill moving on. It is awaiting a floor vote in the House.

“I’m pretty sure it will find success in the House,” she said, adding that she intends to consider the issue more before cementing her opinion.

Current law limits consumers to sparklers and other toys low in explosives.

Supporters say Minnesotans already buy larger fireworks in Wisconsin and North and South Dakota. They say allowing such fireworks within the borders would generate money from sales taxes and eliminate a barely enforced law.

But critics point out that hospitals, law enforcement and fire chiefs organizations are opposed to a looser law. They say it will cause more injuries and property damage.

If approved the bill would take effect on June 1.

—The Associated Press contributed to this report.