Committee backs retail‑sale restrictions on nitrous oxide aimed at reducing youth abuse

The committee approved an amendment and voted SB 18‑43 to the calendar after the sponsor argued the bill targets recreational misuse of nitrous oxide sold as an inhalant in convenience and vape stores.

Sponsor Sen. Briggs said the measure is not intended to restrict legitimate medical or culinary uses, but to stop the retail sale of nitrous oxide that is being bought for intoxication and that can cause brain damage when used without oxygen. “This bill … really should be there should be no discussion about this as a harmful bill,” Briggs said, describing incidents of youth misuse and a recent call about a suicide attempt involving nitrous oxide.

Under the amendment, retailers who sell nitrous oxide for suspected intoxication purposes would face civil penalties, seizure of contraband and potential loss of licenses for repeated violations; knowingly selling or delivering the gas when the seller suspects it will be used for inebriation is categorized as a Class E felony and more severe penalties would apply for subsequent offenses.

The amendment was adopted by voice and the bill passed the committee roll call; the chair reported the bill to the calendar as amended. The committee recorded eight ayes and one no on a subsection voice/roll call related to the amendment earlier in the debate; a final committee record showed the measure advanced.