Nitrous oxide bill drafted following WLBT special report
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – State lawmakers are working on a public safety and health measure that addresses the misuse of nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas.
It follows Gassed: Mississippi’s Hidden High, a 3 On Your Side investigation that showed a stunning increase in use and abuse of nitrous oxide, not only among college-age students, but kids in middle school and younger.
Studies also show a dramatic increase in nitrous oxide-related deaths.
The problem is that it is legal and you can buy it anywhere, like convenience stores and vape shops; there is no age limit, and you don’t have to have identification.
State Representative Fabian Nelson tells 3 On Your Side that several of his constituents said they saw our report, and they have family members who have abused nitrous oxide.
That’s why he drafted House Bill 1551.
“So, in hearing that, I said we have to do something about it, so what we’re doing with this legislation is we’re banning it for recreational uses,” he said. “Now, there are still several industrial uses, mechanical industry uses it, culinary institutes use it, doctors use it, so it’s not going to affect that in any shape or form or fashion.“
House Bill 1551 has successfully moved out of committee and will now be up for consideration by the full Mississippi House.
Neighboring Louisiana is the only state in the nation with a ban on nitrous oxide.
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