Bill > S00075

This bill amends the environmental conservation law to prohibit the release of certain balloons outdoors, specifically targeting balloons made of electrically conductive material filled with helium or lighter-than-air gases. The legislation restricts both the release of electrically conductive balloons entirely and limits the release of non-electrically conductive balloons to no more than 24 of them within a 24-hour period. The bill provides two key exceptions to these restrictions: balloons used for scientific instrumentation or experiments conducted by governmental agencies, and manned hot air balloons. The purpose of the bill appears to be reducing environmental pollution and potential hazards caused by balloon releases, such as potential interference with electrical infrastructure or harm to wildlife. The law would take effect on the first day of January following its enactment, giving time for public awareness and preparation for the new restrictions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S75