Update: Mass Balloon Releases May Soon Be Illegal in Maryland - National Humane Education Society

April 14, 2021

Update: Governor Hogan signed the bill.

Paws Up!

To the Maryland General Assembly for voting favorably to ban mass balloon releases.

Balloons are used by many to signify celebrations in life, such as a job promotion or a birthday. Sadly, these colorful, floating orbs are deadly to the wildlife who encounters them. They can become entangled in the string, causing strangulation or injuries to their limbs or other parts of their bodies. When ingested, they slowly suffer an agonizing death from starvation. The following states have passed laws prohibiting balloons from being released: California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. The penalties one can expect to face for a violation vary significantly by state, from $75 in Connecticut to $500 in Virginia.

Several counties in Maryland (Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, and Wicomico) have enacted mass balloon release bans in an effort to protect their wildlife and the environment. In 2020, legislators advocated for a statewide ban but to no avail. According to a recent news article, their continued efforts with the reintroduction of similar bills, Senate Bill 716/House Bill 391, resulted in favorable votes by both the House and the Senate. Currently, the mass balloon ban is waiting for Governor Hogan’s approval. If signed, the law will go into effect on October 1, 2021. Anyone who is found guilty of releasing more than ten balloons will be required to watch an educational video or perform six hours of community service, or both, in addition to paying a civil fine of up to $100. Will you help protect your state’s wildlife?

Take Action: Maryland residents, if you believe that mass balloon releases should be banned to help protect your state’s wildlife and the environment, contact Governor Hogan today!