VIRGINIA’S NEW LAW MAKES IT ILLEGAL TO RELEASE BALLOONS
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Effective Thursday, July 1, 2021, it will be illegal to intentionally release a balloon outdoors in Virginia. The civil offense is punishable by a $25 fine per balloon. The law provides that if a person under the age of 16 releases a balloon at the instruction of an adult, the adult is liable for the civil penalty.
Latex balloons, foil balloons and plastic ribbons are a top source of debris found on Virginia’s remote beaches, according to research conducted by Longwood University between 2013 and 2020. Birds, turtles and other animals often mistake balloons for food, which can be deadly. Sea turtles are especially susceptible because they surface to breathe and eat where deflated balloons float on the water.
The previous version of the law allowed the release of up to 49 balloons in a one-hour period. Balloon releases are often used in celebrations, memorials or to raise awareness for certain causes. Looking for an alternative to a balloon release? Visit preventballoonlitter.org; joyfulsendoff.org and balloonsblow.org.
