SB 2781 Summary

• Prohibits any person or entity from intentionally releasing balloons inflated with gas lighter than air, citing dangers to wildlife and marine animals that may ingest or become entangled in balloons and strings.

• Exempts from the prohibition: balloons released for scientific or meteorological purposes by government agencies or under government contracts, hot air balloons that are recovered after launching, and balloons released indoors.

• Establishes a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation, with the release of multiple balloons at one time counted as a single offense.

• Takes effect upon approval.