Balloon Ban Could Be Coming To New York State

A balloon ban could be signed into law after a recent bill was passed by both the State Senate and State Assembly.

The current Assembly Bill A5902 could prohibit the release of balloons in outdoor areas. The only exemptions would be Hot Air Balloons, Government related experiments, and balloons released indoors.

The ban is based on environmental studies that show balloons released into the environment are harmful to wildlife, pollute the waterways, and since the plastic takes years to degrade, impact area beaches and lowlands.

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If the bill is signed into law by the New York State governor someone who is arrested for releasing balloons in the open could face a fine of up to $1000 dollars and 15 days in jail.

The bill would go into effect on January 1st, 2023 if signed into law.

The bills would impact many everyday activities that involve balloons. Things like gender reveal where a balloon is used to show the gender of a baby and balloons are released in honor of people who have passed or balloons are released at organized events.

The bills called for a fine if the person knowingly willing releases a balloon, so any parents that are worried if their young child lets go of a balloon by accident they could be fine, they wouldn't be violating the proposed law.

The bill will now be sent to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul who can or not sign it into law.