This bill aims to regulate the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide in Nebraska by prohibiting its sale at tobacco specialty stores and in other specified circumstances. It introduces new legal provisions that make it illegal for tobacco specialty stores to sell or distribute any object containing nitrous oxide, with penalties ranging from Class II misdemeanors for first offenses to Class I misdemeanors for subsequent offenses. Additionally, the bill prohibits the sale of equipment designed for recreational inhalation of nitrous oxide, imposing similar penalties for violations. All objects containing nitrous oxide sold in violation of these provisions are subject to seizure, forfeiture, and destruction, with the costs borne by the violator.

The bill also amends existing statutes related to the sale of tobacco products, incorporating the new regulations on nitrous oxide into the framework governing tobacco specialty stores and their licensing. It specifies that violations of these new provisions can lead to the revocation and forfeiture of licenses, with a waiting period before a new license can be issued. The bill harmonizes these new regulations with existing laws and repeals the original sections that are being amended. Overall, the legislation seeks to address public health concerns associated with the recreational use of nitrous oxide and enhance regulatory oversight in this area.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-1418.01, 28-1425, 28-1429, 59-1523