Senate Bill Report — SHB 1209, Regulating the Transfer of Sodium Nitrite (March 12, 2025)

Summary

Senate Bill Report on SHB 1209, as of March 12, 2025, titled An act relating to protecting public health and safety by regulating the transfer of sodium nitrite, with the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business listed as sponsor. The report states that the bill places restrictions on the sale and shipment of sodium nitrite products. It states that a covered entity that violates the act is subject to a $10,000 penalty for the first violation and no more than $1 million for a second or subsequent violation. The report states that the law will be known and cited as Tyler's Law, and that the bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

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Full text

                             SENATE BILL REPORT
                                  SHB 1209

                                       As of March 12, 2025

Title: An act relating to protecting public health and safety by regulating the transfer of sodium
     nitrite.

Brief Description: Protecting public health and safety by regulating the transfer of sodium
     nitrite.

Sponsors: House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business (originally sponsored by
    Representatives Mena, Walen, Reed, Ryu, Berry, Alvarado, Macri, Farivar, Doglio, Pollet,
    Ormsby, Salahuddin and Hill).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/6/25, 91-4.
     Committee Activity:


                                      Brief Summary of Bill
           • Places restrictions on the sale and shipment of sodium nitrite products
             with a concentration of 10 percent or greater.
           • Establishes civil penalties and the applicability of the Consumer
             Protection Act on covered entities that violate the restrictions on the sale
             and shipment of sodium nitrite products.


SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, FINANCIAL SERVICES & TRADE

     Staff: Clint McCarthy (786-7319)

     Background: Sodium nitrite appears as a yellowish white crystalline solid. It is
     noncombustible, but will accelerate the burning of combustible material. If large quantities
     are involved in a fire or if the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may
     result. If contaminated by ammonium compounds, spontaneous decomposition can occur
     and the resulting heat may ignite surrounding combustible material. Prolonged exposure to




     This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative
     members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it
     constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Senate Bill Report                              -1-                                         SHB 1209
     heat may result in an explosion. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving
     this material. Sodium nitrite ingestion by humans can be poisonous and fatal.

     Summary of Bill: Restrictions on the Sale of Sodium Nitrite. Covered entities are defined
     as a person selling a covered product, which are sodium nitrite products with a
     concentration of more than 10 percent. Covered entities can only sell the covered product to
     manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, third-party sellers, online retailers, and any other
     businesses. Covered entities must retain sale records and documentation for each purchase
     for three years from the point of sale.

     Shipping and Labeling of Sodium Nitrite Products with a Concentration of 10 percent or
     more. When selling covered products, covered entities must include the following phrase on
     its label: "WARNING DANGER: Deadly if ingested. If ingested, seek immediate medical
     attention for intravenous administration of methylene blue. Ingestion of sodium nitrite, even
     in small quantities, causes severe methemoglobinemia, extreme pain, and imminent death.
     Keep out of reach of children."

     The label must be in a size equal to at least 2 percent of the surface area of the principal
     display panel, accompanied by a skull and crossbones symbol. When shipped, the product
     must display a skull and crossbones symbol likely to be seen and read by an ordinary
     individual.

     Enforcement of Restrictions on the Sale of Sodium Nitrite. A covered entity that violates
     this act is subject to a $10,000 penalty for the first violation, and no more than $1 million
     for second or subsequent violation. The Washington State attorney general, a prosecuting
     attorney within a relevant jurisdiction, or any aggrieved individual may bring action to
     impose a civil penalty. A civil penalty does not exclude other public or private cause of
     action. Any aggrieved individual, other than the attorney general, who prevails in a civil
     action is entitled to reasonable attorney fees.

     The sale of sodium nitrite is also covered by the Consumer Protection Act.

     The law will be known and cited as Tyler's Law.

     Appropriation: None.

     Fiscal Note: Available.

     Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

     Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.




Senate Bill Report                             -2-                                       SHB 1209


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