Environment

This bill prohibits the intentional release of helium or lighter-than-air balloons into the atmosphere in Connecticut and requires retailers to attach weights to balloons to prevent them from rising. It affects individuals, organizations, and businesses that release balloons, as well as stores that sell them, by making balloon releases into the air illegal infractions. The law also mandates that any balloon sold to consumers must have a weight attached to keep it from floating away. Violations of these rules would result in fines, with the specific penalty amounts determined by court judges. The changes would take effect on October 1, 2026.

This bill strengthens Connecticut's Sewage Right-to-Know Act by requiring faster reporting and public notification of sewage spills and bypasses. It mandates that sewage treatment plant operators submit electronic reports to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection within two hours of an incident, with details including location, volume, and public health concerns. The bill also requires operators to notify local officials and the public within two hours when a spill may impact people or waterways, and establishes a real-time alert system for residents to receive notifications via text or email. Additionally, the Department must publish annual summaries of sewage spills and enforcement actions on its website.