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SB 20

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 5 co-sponsors

Prohibits organizing or participating in mass balloon releases to cut visual litter and harm to wildlife, with a $250 fine for violations.

05/07/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 20

SB 20 — Prohibiting Certain Mass Balloon Releases (Short summary)

Status: Filed January 30, 2025. Text adds new G.S. § 14‑401.28. Effective date: October 1, 2025 (applies to offenses on or after that date).

Main purpose / intent

To prohibit intentional mass releases of lighter‑than‑air balloons in order to reduce visual littering and the harms that released balloons cause to wildlife, marine animals, and the environment.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new statute, G.S. § 14‑401.28, with the following elements:
    • Finding: Legislature states that releases of helium (or other lighter‑than‑air gas) balloons harm scenic beauty and create hazards for wildlife and marine animals.
    • Offense: It is unlawful for any person to “organize or participate in a balloon release.”
    • Penalty: Violation is an infraction punishable by a fine of $250.
    • Definitions:
    • “Balloon” — a nonporous bag of tough, light material (for example, latex or Mylar) filled with helium or another substance that causes the balloon to rise/float.
    • “Balloon release” — the knowing and intentional release of balloons by a person or via a device controlled by a person.
    • Exceptions: The prohibition does not apply to:
    • Balloons released by or on behalf of a government agency, or released under contract for bona fide scientific or meteorological purposes.
    • Hot air balloons that are recovered after launching.

Who is affected

  • Event organizers and private individuals who previously conducted coordinated or ceremonial balloon releases (memorials, celebrations, promotional events).
  • Retailers, event planners and vendors who supply or coordinate mass releases.
  • Government and research entities conducting approved meteorological or scientific releases are explicitly exempted.
  • Wildlife, marine animal advocates and local communities may experience reduced risks and litter.

Enforcement and impact

  • Classified as an infraction (not a criminal misdemeanor) with a single, specified fine ($250). Enforcement would generally follow state/local procedures for infractions.
  • Expected effects: reduces debris and animal hazards associated with released balloons; may restrict certain ceremonial practices unless replaced by alternatives (e.g., plantings, virtual tributes, ribbon releases).
  • Administrative impact is minimal in the statute; no permitting or registration system is created.

Implementation / timing

  • Law takes effect October 1, 2025, and applies only to releases occurring on or after that date.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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