WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 194

Relating to: modifications to housing programs under the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Clint Anderson and 30 co-sponsors

AB 194 bans intentionally releasing balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gas, with civil penalties up to $250 and enforcement by state or local authorities.

Published 4-9-2026
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
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.

Sign in to ask a question.