Local News Update: Senate Bill 20 Proposes Ban on Mass Balloon Releases in North Carolina
If enacted, the law would take effect on October 1, 2025.
Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 15, 2025 — Senate Bill 20 (SB 20), titled “Prohibiting Certain Mass Balloon Releases,” was introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly during the 2025 session and is currently awaiting review in committee.
Filed on January 30, 2025, and sponsored by Senator Bobby Hanig, the bill seeks to make it unlawful for anyone to organize or participate in the intentional release of balloons filled with lighter-than-air gases. Citing environmental concerns, the bill finds that balloon releases harm North Carolina’s scenic beauty and pose dangers to wildlife and marine animals.
The proposed law would impose a civil penalty of $250 on balloon violators. The bill defines a balloon as a nonporous bag made of materials like latex or mylar, filled with gases such as helium that allow it to float. Exemptions to the prohibition include releases made on behalf of government agencies for scientific or meteorological purposes and hot air balloons that are recovered after launching.
The bill passed its first reading in the Senate on January 30, 2025, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations—its next step before any potential advancement to a floor vote.
If enacted, the law would take effect on October 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.
For full bill details and status updates, visit: https://legiscan.com/NC/bill/S20/2025.