Click below to find out more about legislation that would impact the balloon industry and to see what you can do to make sure that you are able to freely enjoy your favorite party favor:
State
Federal
There are currently two bills being considered at the state level:
New York - A709 Prohibits release of certain balloons
The NY State Senate Environmental Conservation Committee could review legislation that places penalties on the release of more than 25 balloons during a 24 hour period. Click here for bill text.
The Chairman, Antoine Thompson, of the NY Senate Environmental Conservation Committee needs to hear from you! Please tell him NOT TO CONSIDER the legislation as it will have a negative impact on the use and enjoyment of balloons as well as hurt balloon-related businesses.
Senator Antoine Thompson's Contact Information:
Email: athompso@senate.state.ny.us
Albany Office
P: 518-455-3371
F: 518-426-6969
Buffalo Office
P: 716-854-8705
F: 716-854-3051
Niagara Falls Office
P: 716-284-5789
F: 716-284-5820
Massachusetts - H.B. 770; AN ACT REGULATING THE RELEASE OF A CERTAIN NUMBER OF BALLOONS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT
This bill seeks to ban the release of ten or more balloons during a 24 hour period.
Check back frequently for more information and to see what you can do to help defeat this unnecessary legislation.
The weighted foil balloon legislation and numerous other state legislative proposals to ban the intentional release of balloons pushed the industry to defend itself and to develop a proactive position.
Balloon release bans were passed at the state level in several states including:
- Connecticut (1990)*
- Florida (1990)*
- Tennessee (1990)*
- California (1990) (foil only)*
- Virginia (1991)
*Before the Balloon Council (TBC) was formed
Since its inception, TBC has been successful in defeating restrictions in:
- California (2008)
- Hawaii
- Maryland (defeated in 2007)
- Massachusetts (bill currently pending)
- New Hampshire (defeated in 2007)
- New Jersey
- New York (bill currently pending)
- Pennsylvania
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Learn more about the Helium Stewardship Act of 2012.
In 1990, discussions begin with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Balloon Council and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) regarding warning labels on numerous items including balloons.
TBC worked with all parties to create a voluntary standard.
In 1994, despite voluntary standard, CPSC moved forward with a mandatory label requirement under the Child Protection Safety Act.
