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.