Arizona lawmakers are preparing for the 2025 session with new proposals, including one addressing balloons. Senate Bill 1004, sponsored by Republican Sen. John Kavanagh, aims to stop the intentional release of 10 or more lighter-than-air balloons. Violators would face fines, with exceptions for meteorological and indoor balloons.
Events like gender-reveal parties may need to rethink balloon releases. “They’d have to find another way,” Kavanagh said. Initially doubtful about the issue, he reconsidered after hearing from cattle ranchers about the risks to livestock.
Ranchers like Mike Gannuscio noted that curious animals often ingest balloon debris, sometimes fatally. While Gannuscio hasn’t reviewed the bill, he confirmed balloon waste is a recurring problem on his ranch.
Unlike California’s stricter laws, Kavanagh’s proposal covers all balloon types but limits penalties to fines. He hopes the law will educate and deter without being overly punitive.
Confident the bill will pass, Kavanagh sees support from both environmentalists and ranchers. Despite anticipating jokes, he’s undeterred, saying, “All publicity is good unless you’re in handcuffs.”
