NC H922

Prohibits any person from engaging in a balloon release in North Carolina, defined as the knowing and intentional release of balloons that subsequently litter the environment.

Exempts balloons released by government agencies or contractors for scientific or meteorological purposes, hot air balloons that are recovered after launching, and balloon releases contained entirely within buildings or tents.

Violations are enforced by law enforcement officers as infractions, with administrative penalties of a warning for first violations, up to $200 for second violations, and up to $500 for subsequent violations.

Appropriates $100,000 in recurring funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the Department of Environmental Quality for educational activities about the balloon release prohibition.

Sections establishing the offense and enforcement mechanisms become effective January 1, 2025, while remaining provisions become effective July 1, 2024.