evidence: That’s why Michigan lawmakers have reintroduced legislation — SB 294 and HB 4466 — to prohibit a person from intentionally releasing a balloon outdoors "filled with a gas lighter than air." Violators would be at risk of a $250 fine. [...] The legislation exempts balloons released for "scientific or meteorological purposes" on behalf of a government agency, and hot air balloons that carry passengers or are recovered after the fact. [...] Brammeier said banning balloon releases would help alleviate only part of the problem. He believes lawmakers should work on holding the producers of single-use plastics financially responsible, not just restricting individual items.