Bill > A3703

Introduced Session

This bill would prohibit a person or entity from organizing or conducting a planned release of a balloon or other floating device outdoors. The bill defines "planned release" as the intentional release outdoors of a balloon or other floating device. The prohibition in the bill would not apply to: (1) a balloon to be released for scientific or meteorological purposes, on behalf of a government agency or pursuant to a government contract; or (2) a hot air balloon that is recovered after launching. A person or entity who violates the prohibition established in the bill would be subject to the same monetary penalties and community service requirements imposed for littering upon public or private property pursuant to subsections a. and b. of section 8 of P.L.1985, c.533 (C.13:1E-99.3). Under current law, a person who litters is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, and subject to a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500. In addition to the monetary penalty, the court may direct a person to perform community service, including litter pickup and removal, for a term of not less than 20 hours nor more than 40 hours. In addition, the bill would require retailers of balloons or other floating devices to display and maintain a conspicuous sign at the point of display and the point of sale notifying a potential purchaser of the prohibition and penalty established by the bill. A retailer who does not comply with this requirement would be subject to a civil penalty of $500 for each offense. Lastly, the bill would supersede and preempt any municipal or county rule, regulation, code, or ordinance enacted prior to the effective date of the bill concerning the intentional release of balloons or other floating devices outdoors. The provisions of the bill would take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted into law.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)*, 

Withdrawn from Consideration (on 03/14/2024)

Official Document