North Carolina SB 20: Prohibiting Certain Mass Balloon Releases.

Bill Text

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
S 1
SENATE BILL 20

Short Title: Prohibiting Certain Mass Balloon Releases. (Public)
Sponsors: Senator Hanig (Primary Sponsor).
Referred to: Rules and Operations of the Senate
January 30, 2025
*S20-v-1*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
AN ACT TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN MASS BALLOON RELEASES. 2
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 3
SECTION 1. Article 52 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes is amended by adding 4
a new section to read: 5
"§ 14-401.28. Release of certain balloons. 6
(a) Finding. – The General Assembly finds that the release into the atmosphere of 7
balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases poses a harm to the scenic beauty of the State and a 8
danger and nuisance to wildlife and marine animals. 9
(b) Offense. – It is unlawful for any person to organize or participate in a balloon release. 10
(c) Penalty. – A violation of this section shall be an infraction and shall be punishable by 11
a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). 12
(d) Definitions. – The following definitions apply in this section: 13
(1) Balloon. – A nonporous bag of tough and light material, such as latex or mylar, 14
filled with helium or another substance that causes the balloons to rise or float 15
in the atmosphere. 16
(2) Balloon release. – The knowing and intentional release of balloons by a person 17
or through the operation of a device controlled by a person, except for any of 18
the following: 19
a. Balloons released by a person on behalf of a government agency or 20
pursuant to a contract for scientific or meteorological purposes. 21
b. Hot air balloons that are recovered after launching." 22
SECTION 2. This act becomes effective October 1, 2025, and applies to offenses 23
committed on or after that date. 24