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AB 194

Prohibits the release of certain balloons that are lighter than air under certain circumstances. (BDR 15-338)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sandra Jauregui

Prohibits intentionally releasing balloons lighter than air, with civil penalties up to $250 per violation and enforcement by AG or local prosecutors.

Approved by the Governor. Chapter 113.
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Bill Summary · AB 194

AB 194 — Summary (Chapter 113, 2025)

Sponsor: Assemblymember Jauregui
Introduced: Jan 8, 2025
Status: Approved by Governor (May 29, 2025) — Chapter 113

Purpose

AB 194 prohibits the intentional release of balloons inflated with a gas lighter than air (e.g., helium) to address public-safety and environmental concerns. The law is modeled in part on statutes in other states that restrict mass or intentional balloon releases.

Key provisions

  • Prohibition: No person may intentionally release, organize the release of, or intentionally cause the release of a balloon inflated with a gas that is lighter than air.
  • Civil penalty: A violation may result in a civil penalty not to exceed $250.
  • Enforcement and remedies:
    • Civil actions to recover penalties and to seek injunctive relief may be brought by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney where the violation occurred.
    • Collected fines: penalties recovered by the Attorney General go to the State General Fund; penalties recovered by a district or city attorney are deposited in the applicable county or city treasury.
  • Definitions and exemptions:
    • “Balloon” means any balloon made of nonbiodegradable material or biodegradable material that requires more than 5 minutes of contact with air or water to degrade.
    • Excluded: hot-air balloons that are recovered after launch; balloons used in governmental or scientific research; and balloons that are released but remain indoors.

Who is affected

  • Individuals and organizations that release balloons (e.g., event planners, groups conducting memorial releases, retailers that facilitate releases).
  • Enforcement entities (AG, district attorneys, city attorneys) who may bring civil actions.
  • Retailers and suppliers may be indirectly affected by compliance concerns and event practices.

Enforcement, practical issues, and public comment

  • Enforcement is civil (not criminal) with a fixed maximum penalty of $250 per violation.
  • Public testimony submitted to committees raised questions about necessity, enforceability, and how intentionality would be proved; some commenters opposed the bill.
  • The Legislature cited similar prohibitions in at least 10 other states.

Legislative timeline (selected)

  • Passed Assembly: Mar 20, 2025 (Ayes 53, Noes 17)
  • Passed Senate (as amended): Apr 21, 2025 (Yeas 26, Nays 15, Excused 1)
  • Assembly concurred: May 23, 2025 (Yeas 13, Nays 8)
  • Enrolled and delivered to Governor: May 27, 2025
  • Approved by Governor / Chaptered: May 29, 2025 (Chapter 113)

This enacted law adds a new section to NRS Chapter 202 establishing the prohibition, penalties, and procedures described above.

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

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