NH Legislative Silliness

I complained about the waste of time on NH resolutions on Iraq, but that is nothing compared to this level of stupidity.

By a vote of 215 to 111, the House approved a bill that treats balloon releases as a form of littering.

HB 62 originally barred the release of two dozen or more lighter-than-air balloons.

The version that passed yesterday could bring a $250 fine for even a single balloon let loose. A second offense could bring a $500 fine. The bill specifically exempts hot air balloons, weather balloons and others released as part of scientific research.

The bill does not penalize accidental releases.

Nothing relevant to work on? Balloon littering. They're spending their legislative time on intentional release of balloons. You have got to be fucking kidding me.

Now let's consider the implications of enforcement. How is that going to occur? Police see a bunch of balloons floating up and rush around trying to figure out who released them? Or do they count them first to understand the number of violations? Maybe there will be a balloon release tip line with rewards for narcing out releasers.

Those who favored the bill said the balloon materials, including the attached strings and ribbons, pose a serious threat to wildlife. Whales, turtles and seabirds that live along New Hampshire's coastline mistakenly eat floating balloons thinking they are food, and then are unable to eat real food.

"Do we now get balloon police?" Rep. Randolph Holden, R-Goffstown, asked.

Rep. Kevin Waterhouse, R-Windham, said police officers would be given enforcement responsibility.

A move to give the job to Fish and Game officers was rejected, since the department is under budget pressure already.

He said people need to be aware that balloon releases cause real harm to wildlife.

Yep, the police have the responsibility. Not that they are doing anything more important, like investigating crime or anything, balloons seems like a grand thing to have them rushing about investigating.

I couldn't find any studies on wildlife impact, just information on the fact that sea life in particular is affected. Maybe we can get NH to pay for a study on the world impact of balloon releases. I'm sure the University of NH would take that on. I'm betting a couple of million dollars will satisfy the need.

You'd think the information of the impact of releases would be something to leave to the public to voluntarily control. This legislation is just a waste of time, and forces the police to enforce when frankly they have better things to do.