Senate Committee hears emotional testimony as lawmakers consider ban on distributed nitrous oxide devices

Senate Bill 360, sponsored by Sen. Stewart, would prohibit distribution of nitrous oxide where the intended use is to stupefy or produce similar intoxicating effects and modernize chemical definitions in the statute. Stewart said the bill expands last year’s law and closes a loophole allowing large canisters and flavored products to be sold in vape stores.

Multiple family members gave personal testimony. Jeri Grama Benedy told the committee: "My 29 year old son nearly died in August 2025 ... Within 8 short months, he had massive blood clots in his legs and lungs and a 3 centimeter clot in the right ventricle of his heart." She called the products "a legal cover, not an honest description of how this product is actually being sold or used." Jessica Dazar and Claire Dazar described similar family harms and warned the product is widely available and promoted near college campuses.

Committee members asked staff whether prior listed substances such as fingernail polish and model glue are still covered by the updated chemical definitions. Senators noted the drafting removes dated product names and uses chemical compound names instead. Some members pressed how the bill would interact with enforcement resources and whether the statutory language captures all relevant substances.

Supporters argued the measure is public‑safety oriented and does not criminalize users but targets distributors and sellers. The committee adopted a motion to report the bill after discussion; lawmakers indicated technical clarifications on covered substances would be addressed before floor consideration.

Next steps: SB 360 was reported by the committee; staff follow-up on chemical definitions and enforcement questions was requested.