Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the release of celebratory balloons.

Highlights:

• Prohibits individuals from knowingly or intentionally releasing or organizing the release of a balloon into the atmosphere (Sec. 1).

• Establishes a $250 fine for any person that knowingly releases a balloon into the atmosphere and for every time that they do so (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the following individuals or situations are exempt from the balloon release prohibition (Sec. 1): 

• An individual that releases a balloon for scientific or meteorological research by or on behalf of an agency of the state or of the United States, or an institution of higher education;

• An individual that attaches a radio tracking device to the balloon and holds an amateur operator license issued by the federal communications commission; 

• A hot air balloon being recovered after release; and 

• Negligent or unintentional release of a balloon.

Full Bill Text