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Bill > SB360
WI SB360
WI SB360Limiting the release of certain balloons into the atmosphere, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.
summary
Introduced
06/27/2025
06/27/2025
In Committee
06/27/2025
06/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits the release into the atmosphere of 10 or more balloons constructed with biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (commonly known under the trade name Mylar) and inflated with lighter-than-air gas. A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a $500 forfeiture. The prohibition does not apply to balloons that are 1) released indoors, 2) released for scientific or meteorological purposes, or 3) released by or on behalf of any government agency for scientific or meteorological purposes.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits the intentional release of 10 or more balloons made of Mylar (a type of polyethylene terephthalate material) that are inflated with a lighter-than-air gas into the atmosphere. The legislation provides specific exemptions for balloons released indoors with property owner authorization, balloons used for scientific or meteorological purposes, and balloons released by government agencies for scientific or research purposes. Violators of this prohibition will be subject to a forfeiture (fine) of $500 for each violation. The bill grants the state department authority to create rules to implement this new regulation and amends several existing statutes to incorporate the new balloon release restrictions into Wisconsin's environmental and waste management legal framework. The purpose of the bill appears to be reducing environmental pollution and potential hazards caused by mass balloon releases, which can harm wildlife, contribute to litter, and pose risks to the ecosystem.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (11)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Jeff Smith (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Angelina Cruz (D),
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D),
Lori Palmeri (D),
Pricilla Prado (D),
Ann Roe (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Last Action
Senator Habush Sinykin added as a coauthor (on 09/15/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb360 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB360.pdf |
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