TX
Texas House Bill HB1904

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1904

Filed
1/16/25  
Out of House Committee
5/1/25  
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the release of a balloon and associated littering; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1904 will amend the Health and Safety Code to establish specific penalties based on the weight and volume of balloons released. Offenses will be classified into various degrees of misdemeanor based on the amount of balloons, with heavier penalties for larger quantities. The bill also incorporates mandatory community service for offenders, signaling a shift toward accountability in reducing litter and promoting community responsibility in environmental conservation.

Summary

House Bill 1904 relates to the regulation of balloon releases in Texas, specifically making it a criminal offense to intentionally release balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gas outside of enclosed structures. The bill seeks to address environmental concerns related to balloon litter, which poses threats to wildlife and ecosystems. Proponents argue that controlling balloon releases is necessary for protecting natural environments and minimizing litter, aligning with broader state efforts to enhance environmental safety.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1904 is generally supportive among environmental advocacy groups and some lawmakers who view it as a proactive step towards ecological preservation. However, there are dissenting voices expressing concerns about the practicality of enforcement and the implications for festivities that commonly utilize balloons. Overall, the bill garners a mix of appreciation for its environmental intentions while raising questions about the socioeconomic impact on events that feature balloon releases.

Contention

A notable point of contention arises regarding the balance between regulation and personal freedoms. Critics of the bill argue that while littering is a genuine issue, the blanket ban on balloon releases may be overly stringent and could suppress community celebrations. Additionally, exemptions are limited to specific scientific and governmental purposes, which some feel does not adequately address the widespread cultural and recreational use of balloons across Texas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 365. Litter
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3300

Relating to the release of a balloon; providing a criminal penalty.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX HB2330

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB6

Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning or fentanyl toxicity for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB645

Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB208

Relating to the criminal penalties for delivery and possession of marihuana and citations given for those offenses.

TX HB520

Relating to criminal penalties for possession offenses under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB218

Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.