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. It also introduces a new section under RSA 163-B:3, making it unlawful for any person to intentionally release 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.

In terms of penalties, the bill amends RSA 163-B:4 to specify that violations of the balloon release prohibition will result in a fine of $250 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses. Additionally, the bill mandates that lighter-than-air balloons sold must include a weight and tag warning purchasers about the harmful effects of releasing multiple balloons. 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