House Bill No. [insert number] enacts R.S. 30:2543, which prohibits the intentional release of inflated balloons outdoors by individuals over the age of sixteen or entities. The bill outlines specific exceptions for balloon releases, including those for scientific or meteorological purposes, hot air balloons that are recovered after launching, balloons that remain indoors, and balloons equipped with radio tracking devices released for educational purposes by licensed amateur radio operators.

Violators of this prohibition will face civil penalties, with fines set at $150 for the first violation, $250 for the second, and $500 for any subsequent violations. The bill also stipulates that the release of multiple balloons at once will be treated as a single violation. Additionally, all fines collected will be directed into the litter abatement account within the Conservation Fund, promoting environmental protection efforts.