Bill > HB1209

This bill, known as Tyler's law, aims to protect public health and safety by strictly regulating the sale and transfer of sodium nitrite, a chemical that has been increasingly used in suicide attempts. The legislation establishes comprehensive restrictions on sodium nitrite sales, requiring that such products can only be sold to verified commercial businesses and must include prominent warning labels with a skull and crossbones symbol. Specifically, the bill defines covered products as those containing more than 10 percent sodium nitrite and mandates that sellers must verify the commercial status of purchasers through a robust verification system that goes beyond simple checkbox confirmations. The law imposes significant penalties for violations, including civil penalties ranging from $10,000 for a first offense to $1,000,000 for subsequent violations, and allows the attorney general, prosecuting attorneys, or aggrieved individuals to bring enforcement actions. The bill's rationale is based on national poison data showing increasing sodium nitrite-related fatalities and the belief that limiting access to this lethal substance can help prevent suicides, particularly among vulnerable young people. The legislation is designed to be part of a "means restriction" suicide prevention strategy and will take effect immediately upon passage.