Bill > SB78

This bill establishes new criminal penalties for the possession and sale of certain inhalants, specifically targeting substances like butyl nitrites (often called "whippets"), nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), and amyl nitrites ("poppers" or "snappers"). Under the proposed legislation, possession of these substances would be a Class A misdemeanor, while selling them would be a Class D felony. The law provides several important exceptions, such as medical use by licensed healthcare professionals, industrial manufacturing by individuals over 21, and use of nitrous oxide in food preparation or automotive applications. If a substance contains flavoring or has flavoring-related labeling, there is a rebuttable presumption that it does not qualify for these exceptions, which could help prevent circumvention of the law. The bill aims to restrict recreational use of these potentially harmful inhalants while maintaining legitimate uses in medical, industrial, and commercial contexts. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving businesses and professionals time to adjust to the new regulations. The bill represents a legislative effort to address potential substance abuse and protect public health by controlling access to these specific inhalants.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search