Bill > SB805

This bill proposes to add a new section to Pennsylvania's criminal code that regulates sky lanterns, which are small hot air balloons made of paper with a suspended fire that causes them to rise into the air. The bill makes it illegal to release a sky lantern outdoors unless it is tethered to the ground, and it is also illegal to leave a tethered sky lantern unattended. Individuals who violate these provisions will face summary offenses with significant financial penalties: releasing an untethered sky lantern will result in a fine of at least $500, while leaving a tethered sky lantern unattended that subsequently becomes released will incur a fine of at least $1,500. The bill broadly defines "person" to include various types of business and governmental entities, though it explicitly excludes the Commonwealth itself. The legislation aims to prevent potential fire hazards and environmental risks associated with uncontrolled sky lanterns by establishing clear legal restrictions and monetary consequences for their improper use. The new law will go into effect 60 days after its passage.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=805