[AUDIO REPORT] Lawmakers don’t see anything that’s humorous about laughing gas being sold to kids, and there’s a move to significantly reduce its retail availability. Dan Frizzell from the House Democratic Caucus has more.
TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO WRAP:
JOE TIMMONS: “This came my way from a constituent who was concerned about recreational nitrous oxide, particularly being used by youth, and teens, and young adults. These are products being sold over the counter.” [:10]
That’s Representative Joe Timmons, sponsor of legislation that would prohibit sales of highly intoxicating nitrous oxide in Washington, with carve outs for legitimate commercial and industrial, medical, or veterinary purposes. It’s the increasing marketing to and use by young people, evidenced by a container of Skittle-flavored nitrous oxide the Whatcom County Democrat bought at a convenience store, that the bill targets. Timmons, who serves as deputy speaker of the House in Olympia, has drawn bipartisan support for his House Bill 2532.
TIMMONS: “Unfortunately it’s real. We are on the front edge of a public health crisis. These products are flavored and marketed to young folks. This is a public health bill and a public safety bill, and I really hope we’re able to get it over the finish line this year.” [:12]
Timmons’ bill was supported in its public hearing by Tribes, public health experts, and the attorney general’s office on the way to unanimous committee endorsement. If approved by the full House by March 17 it will move to the Senate for further action. In Olympia, Dan Frizzell.