Bill > HB638

This bill prohibits individuals aged sixteen and older from intentionally releasing or discarding balloons outdoors if they are made of materials that do not break down easily in the environment, specifically those that are nonbiodegradable (won't decompose naturally) or nonphotodegradable (won't break down from sunlight), or materials that take longer than five minutes to degrade in air or water. Violators will face a $25 fine per balloon, which will go to the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, and adults who arrange for or instruct minors under sixteen to release such balloons will be held responsible for the fine. However, there are exceptions for balloons released for scientific or meteorological purposes by state or federal agencies, or under contract with government entities, as well as for hot air balloons that are successfully recovered after launch, with a "hot air balloon" defined as an aircraft that floats using heated air or gas and carries passengers and a heat source. This law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0638.xml