Vetoed by Governor Jeff Landry

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that prohibits the intentional outdoor release of gas-inflated balloons, imposes escalating civil fines for violations, and directs the penalties to the state's litter abatement fund in Louisiana.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the intentional outdoor release of gas-inflated balloons (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes escalating civil fines for violations and directs the penalties to the state's litter abatement fund in Louisiana (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits any individual over the age of 16 from intentionally releasing, coordinating the release, or otherwise cause the release of a balloon or group of balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air, except for (Sec. 1):

• A balloon released for scientific or meteorological purposes on behalf of a governmental agency or according to a governmental contract.

• A hot air balloon that is recovered after launching.

• A balloon that is released and remains indoors.

• A balloon equipped with radio tracking devices that is released for educational purposes by an individual holding a valid amateur radio operator license.

• Specifies that any indivdual or entity that violates this Section shall be subject to a civil penalty of (Sec. 1):

• $150 for first violation;

• $250 for second violation; and

• $500 for third or subsequent violation.

• Specifies that for the purposes of this bill the release of multiple balloons at one time shall be considered a single violation (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text