MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Judiciary, Division B By: Senator(s) Younger Senate Bill 2015 AN ACT TO BAN THE INTENTIONAL RELEASE OF BALLOONS FILLED WITH LIGHTER-THAN-AIR GASES OUTDOORS; TO ALLOW FOR THE INTENTIONAL RELEASE OF BALLOONS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. (1) The Legislature finds that the release of balloons into the atmosphere poses a danger and nuisance to the environment, particularly to wildlife and marine animals. (2) For the purpose of this section, the term "balloon" means a bag made from rubber, latex, polychloroprene, nylon, mylar, foil or any other material which is or can be filled with lighter-than-air gases. (3) It is unlawful to intentionally release a balloon outdoors, to organize the release of a balloon outdoors or to intentionally cause a balloon to be released outdoors, except under any of the following circumstances: (a) A balloon is released on behalf of a governmental agency or pursuant to a governmental contract for scientific or meteorological purposes; (b) A hot air balloon is recovered after launching; or (c) A balloon is released and remains indoors. (4) Any person who violates this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined an assessment of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) per balloon released. SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Judiciary, Division B
By: Senator(s) Younger
# Senate Bill 2015
AN ACT TO BAN THE INTENTIONAL RELEASE OF BALLOONS FILLED WITH LIGHTER-THAN-AIR GASES OUTDOORS; TO ALLOW FOR THE INTENTIONAL RELEASE OF BALLOONS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) The Legislature finds that the release of balloons into the atmosphere poses a danger and nuisance to the environment, particularly to wildlife and marine animals.
(2) For the purpose of this section, the term "balloon" means a bag made from rubber, latex, polychloroprene, nylon, mylar, foil or any other material which is or can be filled with lighter-than-air gases.
(3) It is unlawful to intentionally release a balloon outdoors, to organize the release of a balloon outdoors or to intentionally cause a balloon to be released outdoors, except under any of the following circumstances:
(a) A balloon is released on behalf of a governmental agency or pursuant to a governmental contract for scientific or meteorological purposes;
(b) A hot air balloon is recovered after launching; or
(c) A balloon is released and remains indoors.
(4) Any person who violates this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined an assessment of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) per balloon released.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.