An Act relative to helium balloons
This bill prohibits the intentional release of any type of helium balloon, including plastic, latex, and mylar, into the atmosphere. It applies to individuals and organizations but includes exceptions for scientific or meteorological agencies, recovered hot air balloons, and persons under the age of 12. Violators face civil penalties starting at $100 per release event, with higher fines for subsequent offenses, while retailers must post notices and provide customers with information about the environmental harm caused by releasing balloons. The law also allows retailers to sell weights and fasteners to help prevent balloon releases, and it will take effect 90 days after passage.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Jan 2024
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Jan 18, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jan 18, 2024
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Sarah Peake
DDemocratic
Co
Carol Doherty
DDemocratic
Co
Dylan Fernandes
DDemocratic
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