Includes whereas clauses.

Adds new Part 2K, Management of Certain Balloon Releases, to Article 9 of GS Chapter 130A, providing as follows. Makes it illegal to engage in a balloon release, punishable as an infraction. Also allows the Secretary of Environmental Quality to also impose an administrative penalty for violations. Defines a balloon release as the knowing and intentional release of balloons by a person or through the operation of a device controlled by a person, and subsequent littering of released balloons or portions of released balloons, except for: (1) balloons released by a person on behalf of a government agency or under a contract for scientific or meteorological purposes; (2) hot air balloons that are recovered after launching; or (3) a balloon release that occurs and is contained entirely within a building, tent, or other construct that prevents the balloons from reaching the environment. Makes conforming changes to GS 130A-22. Effective January 1, 2025.

Appropriates $100,000 for 2024-25 from the General Fund to the Department of Environmental Quality for education activities related to the prohibition in this act. Effective July 1, 2024.