IL HB2912

Prohibits the knowing release of 25 or more helium or lighter-than-air gas balloons into the atmosphere within a 24-hour period in Illinois

Exempts balloons used for scientific or meteorological purposes by higher education institutions, government agencies, or government contractors; balloons released and kept indoors; and helium balloons used for safe hot air balloon operations

Establishes a tiered penalty system: warning for first violation, up to $500 civil penalty for second violation, and up to $1,000 for third or subsequent violations

Defines each release of up to 25 balloons as a single offense, with releases exceeding 25 balloons counting as separate violations for every 25 balloons released

Amends the Environmental Protection Act to add balloon releases to the list of violations subject to Board consideration for penalty mitigation or aggravation factors