Intentional Balloon Releases Now Illegal In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Intentional balloon releases are now against the law in Rhode Island. Last week, Gov. Dan McKee signed the legislation aimed at protecting the state's wildlife and waterways into law.

The bill was championed for several years by Rep. Susan Donovan, who represents coastal communities Portsmouth and Bristol.

"We are known as the Ocean State and for our beautiful beaches," Donovan said when the bill was previously introduced in 2019. "We must keep them clean and safe not just for people, but for wildlife. Plastic pollution is one of the biggest hazards to animals, and this is an easy way to cut down on an item that poses one a serious danger to them."

Under the new law, groups or organizations are banned from intentionally releasing 10 or more balloons filled with helium or other lighter-than-air gases outdoors. Weather balloons, hot air balloons or balloons that are released and remain indoors are all acceptable under the law.

Violators will be fined $100 for the first offense and $250 for any after.

Released balloons eventually pop and fall back to earth, where they often end up in waterways or along coastlines. With their soft, colorful structures, balloons resemble jellyfish and other marine life, leading to other animals eating them or become tangled in their trailing strings.