EPA-BALLOONS House SponsorsRep. Sam Yingling-Seth Lewis-Ann M. Williams-Barbara Hernandez-Daniel Didech, Joyce Mason, Jonathan Carroll, Kathleen Willis, Martin J. Moylan, Theresa Mah and Michael T. Marron Senate Sponsors(Sen. Linda Holmes-Jacqueline Y. Collins and Laura M. Murphy) 1/10/2023HouseSession Sine Die 415 ILCS 5/52.10 new Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that no person shall knowingly release or cause or organize the release of balloons into the air unless the balloons are (1) used by an institution of higher education or a governmental agency, or pursuant to a governmental contract, for bona fide scientific or meteorological purposes or (2) released indoors and remain indoors. Provides that persons who violate the amendatory Act's provisions shall be subject to a civil penalty of $500 for each offense, and that the release of 50 balloons or fewer at one time is a single offense. Effective January 1, 2022.House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adds reference to:415 ILCS 5/42from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 1042Removes language providing that the release of balloons must be done knowingly. Provides that any person who violates the amendatory provisions shall be liable for a warning from the Agency for the first violation and a civil penalty of up to $500 for the second violation and a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation. Provides that the release of more than 50 balloons shall constitute a separate violation for every 50 balloons released. Provides that the amendatory provisions do not apply to the release of a helium balloon used for the safe operation of a hot air balloon. 1/29/2021HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Sam Yingling 2/8/2021HouseFirst Reading 2/8/2021HouseReferred to Rules Committee 3/2/2021HouseAssigned to Energy & Environment Committee 3/8/2021HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Sam Yingling 3/8/2021HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee 3/8/2021HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Energy & Environment Committee; 028-000-000 3/9/2021HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate 3/9/2021HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 40 4/8/2021HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Sam Yingling 4/8/2021HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee 4/13/2021HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Rules Refers to Energy & Environment Committee 4/14/2021HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Joyce Mason 4/15/2021HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Energy & Environment Committee; 024-000-000 4/20/2021HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate 4/20/2021HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted 4/20/2021HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate 4/20/2021HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Ann M. Williams 4/20/2021HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Daniel Didech 4/20/2021HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Barbara Hernandez 4/20/2021HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Jonathan Carroll 4/20/2021HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Kathleen Willis 4/20/2021HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Martin J. Moylan 4/21/2021HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Seth Lewis 4/21/2021HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Theresa Mah 4/21/2021HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael T. Marron 4/21/2021HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 090-023-001 4/21/2021SenateArrive in Senate 4/21/2021SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading April 22, 2021 4/22/2021SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes 4/22/2021SenateFirst Reading 4/22/2021SenateReferred to Assignments 5/4/2021SenateAdded as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Jacqueline Y. Collins 5/5/2021SenateAdded as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura M. Murphy 1/10/2023HouseSession Sine Die