CA AB847

Manufacturers of foil balloons (electrically conductive material) must permanently mark each balloon with warnings about contact with overhead power lines, manufacturer identity, and compliance status with IEEE standards.

Sellers and distributors of foil balloons filled with lighter-than-air gas must attach sufficient weight to counter lift and prohibit attachment to electrically conductive objects.

Foil balloons must pass IEEE 2845 standard testing with a phase-in period: 25% compliant by year one, 55% by year two, 80% by year three, and 100% by year four from the commencement date (January 1, 2027 or when IEEE approves the standard, whichever is later).

Violations result in civil penalties of $50 per noncompliant balloon, not to exceed $2,500 per day, enforceable by the Attorney General or local officials.

Commencement dates and phase-in timelines are tolled for up to 24 months when serious manufacturing, production, or supply chain issues or force majeure occur.