| 1 | 1 | | 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. |
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| 2 | 2 | | |
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| 3 | 3 | | MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE |
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| 4 | 4 | | |
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| 5 | 5 | | 2025 Regular Session |
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| 6 | 6 | | |
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| 7 | 7 | | To: Judiciary, Division B |
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| 8 | 8 | | |
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| 9 | 9 | | By: Senator(s) Younger |
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| 10 | 10 | | |
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| 11 | 11 | | # Senate Bill 2015 |
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| 12 | 12 | | |
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| 13 | 13 | | 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. |
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| 14 | 14 | | |
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| 15 | 15 | | BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: |
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| 16 | 16 | | |
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| 17 | 17 | | 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. |
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| 18 | 18 | | |
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| 19 | 19 | | (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. |
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| 20 | 20 | | |
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| 21 | 21 | | (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: |
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| 22 | 22 | | |
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| 23 | 23 | | (a) A balloon is released on behalf of a governmental agency or pursuant to a governmental contract for scientific or meteorological purposes; |
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| 24 | 24 | | |
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| 25 | 25 | | (b) A hot air balloon is recovered after launching; or |
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| 26 | 26 | | |
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| 27 | 27 | | (c) A balloon is released and remains indoors. |
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| 28 | 28 | | |
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| 29 | 29 | | (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. |
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| 30 | 30 | | |
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| 31 | 31 | | SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025. |
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