summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Distributing nitrous oxide prohibited; penalties. Prohibits the sale or distribution of a device that is designed or intended to deliver a gas containing nitrous oxide through direct inhalation, with exceptions as defined in the bill, and any person who violates such provision is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also prohibits the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide that has, or is marketed as having, the taste or smell of any food or beverage that is distinguishable by an ordinary consumer either prior to or during consumption or use of such nitrous oxide to any person not exempted in the bill, and a violation of such prohibition is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Lastly, the bill prohibits the sale or distribution of a container of nitrous oxide that exceeds eight grams, with exceptions defined in the bill, and a violation of such prohibition is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
AI Summary
This bill amends Virginia law to prohibit the sale or distribution of devices designed to deliver nitrous oxide for direct inhalation, with specific exceptions for certain professional and industrial uses, and also prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide that is flavored to resemble food or beverages, again with exceptions for legitimate industrial or medical purposes; it also makes it unlawful for individuals to purchase nitrous oxide in containers exceeding eight grams unless they fall under one of the specified exemptions, and any violation of these provisions is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is a serious offense punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Courts of Justice Hearing (08:00:00 3/2/2026 Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building) (on 03/02/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB648 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB648) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1145267.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB648/text/HB648H1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB648/text/HB648HC3 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB648/text/HB648HC2 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB648/text/HB648HC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB648) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1089561.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB648/text/HB648 |
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