summary
Introduced
02/05/2025
02/05/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that a person may not knowingly release or cause to be released into the atmosphere within a 24-hour period 25 or more helium or other lighter-than-air gas balloons in the State unless the balloons are (1) used by an institution of higher education or a governmental agency, or pursuant to a governmental contract, for bona fide scientific or meteorological purposes, (2) released indoors and remain indoors, or (3) are helium balloons used for the safe operation of a hot air balloon. Provides that persons who violate the amendatory Act's provisions shall be subject to civil penalties in specified amounts and that the release of 25 balloons or fewer at one time is a single offense. Makes corresponding changes in provisions regarding mitigation or aggravation of penalty in determining the appropriate civil penalty to be imposed, as well as regarding minimum penalties based on economic benefits.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act to regulate the release of helium and other lighter-than-air gas balloons in Illinois. Specifically, it prohibits knowingly releasing 25 or more balloons into the atmosphere within a 24-hour period, with a few exceptions: balloons used for scientific or meteorological purposes by educational institutions or government agencies, balloons released indoors and remaining indoors, and helium balloons used for the safe operation of hot air balloons. The bill establishes a graduated penalty system for violations: the first violation will result in a warning from the Agency, the second violation will incur a civil penalty of up to $500, and the third and subsequent violations will carry a civil penalty of up to $1,000. The bill defines the release of up to 25 balloons as a single offense, with releases of more than 25 balloons constituting separate violations for every 25 balloons released. This legislation aims to reduce environmental pollution and potential harm caused by balloon releases by implementing clear restrictions and meaningful penalties for non-compliance.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Energy & Environment Committee Hearing (10:00:00 3/21/2025 Room 114) (on 03/21/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2912&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB2912.htm |
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