Outdoor balloon releases will be illegal in this state starting in August

BATON ROUGE, La. (KALB/Gray News) — Balloon releases will soon be illegal in Louisiana.

The state legislature passed a bill this week that prohibits the intentional outdoor release of Mylar and latex helium balloons.

The new law goes into effect Aug. 1.

Balloon releases are often used for celebrations or to honor those who have died. But critics of the practice said what goes up must come down.

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation said that when the balloons eventually fall to the ground, they can harm animals that might ingest them. The balloons can also interfere with power lines and electrical infrastructure, which can cause dangerous outages or costly damage.

“Every year in Louisiana, balloon releases intended to honor loved ones or mark special occasions come down in our marshes, waterways, forests, and communities,” Rebecca Triche, executive director of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, said.

Triche said wildlife officials are excited about the new law.

“We’re thrilled to see this unnecessary harm to animals, habitats and infrastructure addressed through this new law. At the same time, we recognize how important these moments are, and we want to help people honor them in ways that are just as meaningful without putting our environment at risk,” Triche said.

Suggested alternatives to balloon releases include:

• Flying kites
• Blowing bubbles
• Releasing floating flower petals
• Planting a tree, native garden or a painted rock garden
• Hosting a candlelight vigil
• Releasing biodegradable confetti
• Ringing bells
• Celebrating with banners or flags
• Making pinwheels that children can take home
• Donating money or time to a charity in someone’s name
• Organizing a commemorative walk or service project
• Creating a mural or art installation including a message to your loved one
• Organizing a food drive or community give-back

The new law will not apply to people under 17 or to anyone who unintentionally releases a balloon. Balloon releases indoors are also OK.

Violations would carry fines and community service hours, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses:

• A first offense would bring a $500 fine and eight hours of court-approved litter cleanup
• A second offense would bring a $900 fine and 20 hours of cleanup
• A third or later offense could bring a $2,500 fine, a one-year driver’s license suspension and 80 hours of cleanup, or a combination of those penalties

“At its core, this legislation reflects a simple principle: small actions matter,” a blog post from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation read. “By addressing a preventable source of pollution, Louisiana is taking a practical step to protect the wildlife and wild places that define our state.”