An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in game or wildlife protection, providing for unlawful release of certain balloons.
SB 879 makes it unlawful in Pennsylvania to release helium-filled balloons (non-biodegradable or non-photodegradable) that could harm wildlife, livestock, or pets, directly affecting event organizers, businesses, and individuals who release such balloons. Exceptions include educational/research releases by institutions, hot air balloons recovered after launch, religious ceremonies with permits, and biodegradable balloons. Violators face a $5 civil penalty per balloon paid into the Game Fund, and the state must post notices online and install weather-resistant signs at state park/forest entrances. The law aims to protect wildlife from balloon hazards while allowing specific permitted uses.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jun 24, 2025
Last action Jun 24, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jun 24, 2025
Committee
Referred to Game & Fisheries
upper
1 primary · 9 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Amanda Cappelletti
DDemocratic
Co
Art Haywood
DDemocratic
Co
Carolyn Comitta
DDemocratic
Co
Devlin Robinson
RRepublican
Co
Elder Vogel
RRepublican
Co
Lindsey Williams
DDemocratic
Co
Lisa Boscola
DDemocratic
Co
Nick Pisciottano
DDemocratic
Co
Nikil Saval
DDemocratic
Co
Rosemary Brown
RRepublican
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