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HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1366 FILED ON: 1/14/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1725
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Homar Gómez
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act to ban the release of balloons.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :DATE ADDED:Homar Gómez2nd Hampshire1/14/2025Joanne M. ComerfordHampshire, Franklin and Worcester1/31/2025 1 of 3
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1366 FILED ON: 1/14/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1725
By Representative Gómez of Easthampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1725) of
Homar Gómez and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to ban the intentional release of
balloons. The Judiciary.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act to ban the release of balloons.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 Section 1: Title This Act shall be known as the Balloon Release Prohibition Act
2 Section 2: Purpose The purpose of this Act is to ban the intentional release of balloons,
3which pose a severe threat to wildlife and the environment. Balloons released into the
4atmosphere often end up in waterways and natural areas, where they cause infinite harm to
5wildlife through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat pollution.
6 Section 3: Definitions
7 1. Balloon: Any inflatable object made of latex, mylar, or other materials designed
8to be filled with gas and released into the atmosphere.
9 2. Wildlife: All animals, including but not limited to birds, mammals, reptiles,
10amphibians, and aquatic species.
11 3. Endangered Species: Any species listed as endangered under state or federal law. 2 of 3
12 Section 4: Prohibition of Balloon Releases
13 1. Effective immediately upon enactment, it shall be unlawful to:
14 a. Intentionally release any balloon into the atmosphere, whether for ceremonial,
15celebratory, or promotional purposes.
16 Section 5: Penalties
17 1. Any individual or entity found in violation of this Act shall be subject to a fine of
18$50 for the first offense, $150 for the second offense and $250 thereafter per offense.
19 2. Each intentional balloon release shall constitute a separate offense.
20 Section 6: Public Education and Awareness
21 1. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife shall develop and
22implement a public education campaign to inform residents about:
23 a. The environmental harm caused by balloon releases.
24 b. Sustainable celebratory alternatives to balloon releases.
25 2. The campaign shall include informational materials and resources accessible
26through the Division’s website and local community organizations.
27 Section 7: Severability If any provision of this Act or its application is held to be invalid,
28that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Act which can be given
29effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Act are
30severable. 3 of 3
31 Section 8: Effective Date This Act shall take effect 90 days after its passage.
32 Legislative Declaration The Commonwealth recognizes that balloon releases represent a
33significant environmental hazard, inflicting unnecessary harm on wildlife and polluting natural
34habitats. By banning this practice, Massachusetts reaffirms its commitment to the protection of
35the environment and the preservation of wildlife.