Orange County

California Legislature Passes SB 936 to Restrict Nitrous Oxide Sales Amid Rising Recreational Abuse

- California's SB 936, authored by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, passed the Legislature and now heads to the Governor after clearing the Assembly 78-0 and the Senate 39-0. - The bill would prohibit public sale of nitrous oxide canisters larger than 8 grams, with exceptions for medical, dental, culinary, and automotive industries. - Nitrous oxide abuse has driven a national rise in deaths of over 500% in the last decade, with California emergency room visits more than doubling since 2018. - The legislation is co-sponsored by Orange County, the National Stewardship Action Council, RCRC, and San Diego County DA Summer Stephan, with support from 100 organizations.