Committee delays HB 648 after language change targeting sales with intent to intoxicate
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Summary
An amendment to HB 648 would criminalize selling certain devices 'with the intent to intoxicate' while preserving practitioner carve-outs; the sponsor agreed to continue drafting and the committee passed the bill 'by for the day' to allow further work.
The subcommittee considered an amendment in the nature of a substitute to HB 648 that changes the statutory text to criminalize the sale of certain devices only when the seller intends to 'intoxicate, inebriate, excite, stupefy, or dull the brain or nervous system' of the buyer. The substitute preserves a carve‑out for practitioners (citing a practitioner definition in code section 54.1‑3401).
Members, including Chair Watts, expressed concern that as drafted the substitute would not stop sales in stores generally but would create an intent‑based offense that may be difficult to enforce or could leave unintended retail sales untouched. Committee members urged more precise language and safeguards such as marketing and ID‑check provisions. The sponsor said she would work with members and bring revised language back; the committee agreed to pass the bill by for the day (to return Friday) so refinements can be made.
What happens next: Sponsor will draft clarified language addressing intent, retail safeguards and enforcement; bill will return to subcommittee on the agreed date.
