AUGUSTA — Legalization of fireworks, authorization of charter schools and eight vetoes are among the items awaiting final action as state lawmakers return today to complete their work for the 2011 session.

After taking a break June 16 to let legislative paperwork get caught up for the final push, lawmakers are returning for what’s expected to be a one- to three-day wrap-up of the year’s work. With the $6.1 billion two-year budget already enacted, the most contentious item still on the table is charter schools, a proposal championed by Republican Gov. Paul LePage.

The bill, which awaits final House and Senate votes, would allow only 10 new schools over the first decade and none before mid-2012. Public charter schools are intended as an alternative for students who do not perform well in typical public schools.

Also unknown is the fate of a bill to legalize sales and use of fireworks in Maine, a state that has long kept most of the exploding devices illegal. Rep. Douglas Damon’s bill would allow “commercial” fireworks, including some firecrackers and devices that explode in the air.

A big unanswered question is whether lawmakers will approve the $27,000 cost of the legislation in its first year, said Damon, R-Bangor. Most of the cost would result from the loss of revenue the state now gets from violators.

“Once this thing gets going, it pays for itself,” said Damon, referring to sales taxes and fees legalization would generate. Even if the bill passes, it would not take effect until 2012.

About two dozen other bills also await final action, including another one sponsored by Damon that would allow the Hollywood Slots racino, which now just includes slot machines, to also include table games, pending a local referendum.

Republican legislative leaders called a recess to legislative action June 16, saying it was needed to allow time for legislative staff to catch up with paperwork needed to finish business.

Democrats said that under GOP leadership lawmakers missed a June 8 goal to finish up early in order to save money, then missed the statutory adjournment date of June 15.