Bill > SB1843

This bill, known as the "Nitrous Oxide Abuse Prevention and Retail Sale Prohibition Act," makes it unlawful for any "retail seller" – defined as anyone selling nitrous oxide directly to consumers, including through vending machines or stores – to sell or offer for sale nitrous oxide, which is a colorless gas also known as laughing gas or N20, or any substance containing it. Violators face a civil penalty of $2,500 for a first offense, with the nitrous oxide being seized as contraband, and $5,000 for a second or subsequent offense, which also leads to the seizure of the product and the potential revocation of any licenses to sell other products like alcohol or hemp-derived cannabinoids, with a one-year waiting period to reapply. Furthermore, it is a Class E felony for any person to sell, offer to sell, deliver, or give away nitrous oxide if they suspect it will be used to cause intoxication or alter mental or sensory processes, though these prohibitions do not apply to sales by manufacturers, distributors, or wholesalers for legitimate medical, dental, or commercial food and beverage distribution purposes. The bill also amends existing law to remove references to nitrous oxide in certain contexts, and it takes effect on July 1, 2026.