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Intentional balloon releases could soon be banned in Virginia, now that state lawmakers have approved a new law that would fine people $25 dollars per balloon. The bill will go to Gov. Ralph Northam s desk next.
The penalty would apply to people aged 16 or older and would cover the release of any nonbiodegradable balloons. Current law in Virginia already prohibits the release of 50 or more balloons per hour.
The new Virginia legislation is the latest in a regional push to stop balloon releases, a move backed by conservationists, environmentalists, and shoreline residents who want to see a reduction in litter. Scientists say balloons pose a particular threat to wildlife on East Coast beaches; they can get caught in sea turtles throats and their strings can get wrapped around turtles flippers and necks.
Landmark legislation that would make Virginia the first state in the South to legalize marijuana is heading toward its first full votes before the House and Senate this week.
And while the proposal has garnered consistent â and in some cases bipartisan â support, significant debate remains on key details of the proposal, including when and how criminal penalties should be rolled back as the state begins working to establish a legal marketplace for the drug.
Lawmakers and advocates said the question became even more important last week as the legislation was amended in both the House and Senate to push the start of retail sales to Jan. 1, 2024, a full year later than the 2023 date proposed by Gov. Ralph Northam.