Lawmakers pass fine for releasing balloons in a Maryland county

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You could have to pay for releasing a balloon in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland.

A bill passed by the county commissioners last month would levy a $250 fine to anyone who intentionally releases a balloon.

According to a Longwood University report, the state of Virginia alone had more than 11,000 pieces of balloon debris on its beaches.

On farms, balloons can ensnare animals, scare animals and disrupt rotating crops.

The new law however does not mean balloons are completely outlawed in the county.

“If you want to have balloons out at your kid’s birthday party or you want to have them at a wedding, get them,” Commissioner Christopher M. Corchiarino told WBUR. “Tie them securely and then dispose of them properly when you’re done.”