This bill aims to protect public health and safety by regulating the sale and transfer of sodium nitrite, a substance linked to increasing suicide rates due to its accessibility and perceived lethality. The legislation establishes a new chapter in Title 69 RCW, outlining definitions, restrictions on sales, labeling requirements, and penalties for violations. It emphasizes the need for "means restriction" as a suicide prevention strategy, particularly for vulnerable populations such as adolescents and young adults. The bill highlights alarming statistics regarding sodium nitrite-related fatalities and the rising trend of suicidal ideation among high school students.

Key provisions include prohibiting the sale of sodium nitrite to anyone other than verified commercial businesses, mandating specific warning labels on products containing sodium nitrite, and requiring covered entities to maintain records of sales for three years. Violations of the act can result in significant civil penalties, with the potential for legal action from the attorney general or aggrieved individuals. The bill underscores the urgency of the matter by declaring an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage.