California 2015-2016 Regular Session Status: In Committee

AB 2709 — Crimes: balloons.

Last action — In committee: Held under submission.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Assembly
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2015-2016 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Existing law makes it a crime to sell or distribute any balloon constructed of electrically conductive material and filled with a gas lighter than air without affixing an object of sufficient weight to the balloon or its appurtenance to counter the lift capability of the balloon, affixing a statement warning the consumer about the risk if the balloon comes in contact with power lines, and a printed identification of the manufacturer of the balloon. Existing law further prohibits selling or distributing 2 or more balloons that are constructed of electrically conductive material and filled with a gas lighter than air and attached to each other. Existing law additionally prohibits any person or group from releasing, outdoors, balloons made of electrically conductive material and filled with a gas lighter than air as part of a public or civic event, promotional activity, or product advertisement. Existing law makes a first and 2nd violation of these provisions punishable by a fine not to exceed $100, and a 3rd or subsequent violation punishable as a misdemeanor. This bill would, on January 1, 2018, remove these prohibitions and instead make it a crime to sell or distribute any balloon constructed of electrically conductive material or any balloon that is attached to an electrically conductive material. The bill would make a first violation of this provision punishable by a fine not to exceed $250, and a 2nd or further violation punishable as a misdemeanor. The bill would additionally, on January 1, 2018, make it a crime to release, outdoors, balloons made of electrically conductive material, regardless of whether the outdoor release is part of a public or civic event, promotional activity, or product advertisement, and would make the crime punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. The bill would exempt specified balloons from these provisions, including balloons that are not designed to be buoyant in ambient air when filled with any gas. Because the bill would revise the definition of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Bill Text

Action History

  1. In committee: Held under submission.

  2. In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.

  3. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (April 19). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  4. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  5. From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.

  6. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  7. From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.

  8. Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  9. Read first time.

  10. From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.

  11. Introduced. To print.

Sponsors

  • McCarty · Cosponsor
  • Quirk · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 120 not signed on · 1 voted No

Sponsors (1)

  • Quirk

Co-sponsors (1)

  • McCarty

Not signed on (120)

120 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Votes

Subjects

public-safety environment
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Frequently asked questions

What does AB 2709 do?
Existing law makes it a crime to sell or distribute any balloon constructed of electrically conductive material and filled with a gas lighter than air without affixing an object of sufficient weight to the balloon or its appurtenance to counter the lift capability of the balloon, affixing a statement warning the consumer about the risk if the balloon comes in contact with power lines, and a printed identification of the manufacturer of the balloon. Existing law further prohibits selling or distributing 2 or more balloons that are constructed of electrically conductive material and filled with a gas lighter than air and attached to each other. Existing law additionally prohibits any person or group from releasing, outdoors, balloons made of electrically conductive material and filled with a gas lighter than air as part of a public or civic event, promotional activity, or product advertisement. Existing law makes a first and 2nd violation of these provisions punishable by a fine not to exceed $100, and a 3rd or subsequent violation punishable as a misdemeanor. This bill would, on January 1, 2018, remove these prohibitions and instead make it a crime to sell or distribute any balloon constructed of electrically conductive material or any balloon that is attached to an electrically conductive material. The bill would make a first violation of this provision punishable by a fine not to exceed $250, and a 2nd or further violation punishable as a misdemeanor. The bill would additionally, on January 1, 2018, make it a crime to release, outdoors, balloons made of electrically conductive material, regardless of whether the outdoor release is part of a public or civic event, promotional activity, or product advertisement, and would make the crime punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. The bill would exempt specified balloons from these provisions, including balloons that are not designed to be buoyant in ambient air when filled with any gas. Because the bill would revise the definition of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Who sponsors AB 2709?
AB 2709 is sponsored by McCarty and Quirk.
What is the current status of AB 2709?
This bill died with 2015-2016 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track AB 2709?
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