                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

RELEASE OF CERTAIN BALLOONS PROHIBITED; CIVIL PENALTY; COMMUNITY SERVICE (§
29.1-556.1)

A. It is unlawful for any individual 16 years of age or older or other person to
intentionally release, discard, or cause to be released or discarded outdoors
any balloon made of a nonbiodegradable or nonphotodegradable material or any
material that requires more than five minutes&#8217; contact with air or water
to degrade. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is liable for a
civil penalty of $25 per balloon released or discarded, which shall be paid into
the Game Protection Fund established pursuant to &#xA7; 29.1-101. If an
individual under the age of 16 releases a balloon by arrangement with or at the
instruction of an adult, the adult shall be liable for the civil penalty
assessed.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any (i) balloon released
(a) by or on behalf of any agency of the Commonwealth or the United States or
(b) pursuant to a contract with the Commonwealth, the United States, or any
other state, territory, or government for scientific or meteorological purposes
or (ii) hot air balloon that is recovered after launch.

HISTORY: 1991, c. 607; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 420.