An Act to renumber and amend 287.97; to amend 23.50 (1), 23.65 (1) and 287.91 (1); to create 287.83 and 287.97 (2) of the statutes; Relating to: limiting the release of certain balloons into the atmosphere, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.
Summary
SB360 would create a new state prohibition on knowingly and willfully releasing 10 or more Mylar-type balloons, defined as balloons made of biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate and inflated with lighter-than-air gas, into the atmosphere. The bill also authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to adopt rules to implement the restriction and makes conforming changes to existing enforcement and forfeiture provisions in Wisconsin’s environmental statutes.
The bill includes narrow exceptions. It would not apply to balloons released indoors with the property owner’s or leaseholder’s authorization, or to balloons released for scientific or meteorological purposes. It also exempts releases by or on behalf of government agencies, or under government contracts, when done for scientific or meteorological purposes. A violation would be subject to a $500 forfeiture, and the bill amends related sections so the attorney general and district attorneys can enforce the new provision under the existing environmental enforcement framework.
Impact
SB360 would add a new section to chapter 287 of the Wisconsin statutes governing solid waste and related environmental matters, and it would update cross-references in enforcement statutes to include the new balloon-release prohibition. It would also create a specific forfeiture amount of $500 per violation for unlawful balloon releases, while leaving the general forfeiture provisions in place for other chapter 287 violations. The bill affects individuals, event organizers, businesses, and others who might release large numbers of balloons, while preserving exceptions for indoor, scientific, meteorological, and certain government-related uses.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote breakdown, so there is no detailed public debate captured here. Based on the bill’s subject and structure, the measure appears to be a targeted environmental restriction with a straightforward enforcement mechanism rather than a broad policy overhaul. Its introduction by multiple senators and assembly cosponsors suggests at least some bipartisan or cross-chamber interest, but the bill ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between environmental protection and ceremonial or expressive uses of balloons. Supporters would likely emphasize litter prevention, wildlife protection, and cleanup costs associated with mass balloon releases, while opponents may view the measure as an unnecessary restriction on private celebrations or symbolic events. The bill’s exceptions for indoor, scientific, meteorological, and government-related releases indicate an effort to narrow the prohibition and reduce objections from research and public-agency users.
Crossfiled
An Act to renumber and amend 287.97; to amend 23.50 (1), 23.65 (1) and 287.91 (1); to create 287.83 and 287.97 (2) of the statutes; Relating to: limiting the release of certain balloons into the atmosphere, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.
Packaging reduction and recycling, creating a producer responsibility program, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty.
Packaging reduction and recycling, creating a producer responsibility program, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty.
Net zero emissions, carbon-free and renewable energy standards, and creating an office of sustainability and clean energy, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Net zero emissions, carbon-free and renewable energy standards, and creating an office of sustainability and clean energy, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE)