FILE – In this July 20, 2106 file photo, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies release balloons at a noon vigil organized by municipal court workers in downtown Baton Rouge, La., in honor of slain and injured sheriff deputies and police. Bills are pending in a growing number of states in 2019 to ban the feel-good tradition of releasing helium-filled balloons at events, since they have the unintended consequence of spoiling the environment and threatening wildlife. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
Rhode Island has banned the release of large numbers of balloons in a move to protect wildlife.
Under a new law signed Friday by Gov. Dan McKee, the state will prohibit anyone from intentionally releasing 10 or more helium or other lighter-than-air balloons outdoors.
Supporters say balloon releases are an environmental nuisance that poses a serious threat to birds, marine animals and other wildlife that ingest or become entangled in balloon litter.
Violators face a fine of $100 when the new rule takes effect in November.
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The new law won't impact hot-air balloons, indoor balloon releases, or scientific and weather research.
