Bill > A10923

This bill, known as "Nima's Law," prohibits the retail sale of nitrous oxide, which is a gas commonly found in whipped cream chargers but can be misused for its intoxicating effects. The law defines "retail sale" as selling to a consumer for any purpose other than resale, with exceptions for authorized sales under public health law. Violators face civil penalties, with fines of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses, and enforcement will be handled by local government officials. Additionally, the bill expands the health care and wellness education and outreach program to include information on the dangers of nitrous oxide misuse, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency, impaired motor function, and even death, and requires consultation with the office of addiction services and supports when developing this educational material. The bill also amends existing law to remove the age restriction on the sale of whipped cream chargers, but maintains civil penalties for their sale, and will take effect 180 days after becoming law.