Substitute Senate Bill No. 452, also known as Public Act No. 26-90, introduces new regulations regarding the release of lighter-than-air balloons in the state. The bill repeals the existing law that prohibited the release of ten or more helium or other lighter-than-air gas balloons within a twenty-four-hour period and replaces it with a broader prohibition against the release of any helium or lighter-than-air gas filled balloon. This change aims to reduce environmental impacts associated with balloon releases. Violations of this section are classified as infractions.

Additionally, starting January 1, 2027, retailers selling helium or lighter-than-air gas filled balloons must attach a weight to each balloon to prevent it from rising into the atmosphere. Retailers who fail to comply with this requirement will face a civil penalty of twenty dollars per violation. The definition of "retailer" is specified to include firms that utilize universal product coding, excluding carnivals as defined in existing statutes. The new regulations will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 26-25c
File No. 369: 26-25c
Public Act No. 26-90: 26-25c