Bill > S20

This bill prohibits the intentional release of balloons in North Carolina, establishing new regulations to protect wildlife and the environment. The legislation defines a balloon as a nonporous bag made of materials like latex or mylar filled with helium or other substances that cause it to rise, and specifically makes it unlawful for any person to organize or participate in a balloon release. The bill includes a few limited exceptions, such as balloons released for government scientific or meteorological purposes and hot air balloons that are recovered after launching. Violations of this prohibition will be considered an infraction punishable by a fine of $250. The General Assembly's rationale for the bill is that balloon releases pose a harm to the state's scenic beauty and create a danger and nuisance to wildlife and marine animals. The new law will become effective on October 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date, giving individuals and organizations time to adjust to the new regulation.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S20