evidence: Michigan legislators introduce bill to ban balloon releases Lansing, MI – Legislators in Michigan introduced Senate Bill 294 that would outlaw releasing balloons if they’re filled with a gas lighter than air but excluding meteorological, scientific and hot air balloons, according to the bill text. The civil fine for violators depends on the amount of litter a balloon produces, with a fine of up to $800 for litter less than 1 cubic foot in volume and up to $2,500 for litter that’s 3 cubic feet or more.