This bill establishes a prohibition against the release of lighter-than-air balloons into the atmosphere, categorizing such actions as littering due to the environmental hazards posed by deflated balloons to wildlife and marine animals. The bill amends RSA 163-B:1 to include a declaration that the release of these balloons constitutes littering and poses a threat to the health and safety of citizens. Additionally, it amends RSA 163-B:3 to make it unlawful for any person to intentionally release or cause the release of 20 or more balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases, with exceptions for scientific or meteorological purposes and for hot air balloons that are recovered after launch.

The bill also introduces specific penalties for violations of this prohibition, as outlined in RSA 163-B:4. It stipulates that individuals found guilty of releasing balloons will face a fine of $250 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses. Furthermore, it mandates that lighter-than-air balloons sold must include a weight and tag warning purchasers about the harmful effects of releasing such balloons on wildlife. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 163-B:1, 163-B:3, 163-B:4
HB387 text: 163-B:1, 163-B:3, 163-B:4