Age of accountability

Editor's note: The following text is a transcript of a podcast story. To listen to the story, click on the arrow beneath the headline above.

NICK EICHER, HOST: Louisiana has a message for partygoers: You better keep your balloon on its leash.

Because beginning August 1st, it becomes illegal in Louisiana to intentionally release helium balloons outdoors.

The concern is that what goes up eventually comes down, and wildlife end up paying the price. So the law puts the pain where it belongs: First-time offenders could face a fine of up to $500.

One exception: Police cannot charge anyone seventeen or younger.

So in Louisiana, adults are now officially expected to know better than to let go of a balloon, or at least be unethical enough to blame it on a kid.

It’s The World and Everything in It.

WORLD Radio transcripts are created on a rush deadline. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of WORLD Radio programming is the audio record.