Senate Bill 360 aims to regulate the release of certain balloons into the atmosphere, specifically targeting those made of biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (Mylar) and inflated with lighter-than-air gas. The bill prohibits the release of 10 or more such balloons, with violations subject to a $500 forfeiture. Exceptions to this prohibition include balloons released indoors with property owner consent, those released for scientific or meteorological purposes, and balloons released by government agencies for similar purposes. The bill also grants the Department the authority to create necessary rules for its implementation.

In addition to the new regulations, the bill amends existing statutes related to the enforcement of forfeitures and penalties. It includes the insertion of the new section 287.83, which outlines the limitations on balloon releases, and updates sections 23.50, 23.65, 287.91, and 287.97 to incorporate the new provisions. Notably, the bill renumbers section 287.97 and creates a new subsection (2) that specifically addresses penalties for violations of the balloon release regulations. The attorney general is designated to enforce these provisions, with the potential for fines ranging from $10 to $1,000 for various violations, including the newly established balloon release rule.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 23.50(1), 23.50, 23.65(1), 23.65, 287.91(1), 287.91