SHB 1215

SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1215

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

As of March 20, 2007

Brief Description: Prohibiting the sale, purchase, or use of alcohol vaporizing devices.

Sponsors: House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representative McDonald).

Background: An alcohol vaporizing device mixes alcohol with oxygen or other gas to produce a vapor or mist for the purpose of inhaling. These devices can be purchased on the internet for about $300. At least 20 states have laws making alcohol vaporizing devices illegal.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The sale, offer for sale, purchase, use, or offer for use of an alcohol vaporizing device is made illegal. An alcohol vaporizing device is any mechanical or electrical apparatus that mixes liquor or other alcohol product with oxygen or other gas to produce a vapor or mist for the purpose of inhaling. Entities holding a liquor license who violate the prohibition are subject to administrative sanction. Other persons, as well as licensees, are subject to criminal penalties. The crime is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor depending on whether it is a first or subsequent offense. The prohibition does not apply to vaporizing devices used for medical or scientific research.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: An article was seen promoting these alcohol vaporizing devices to college students. With this device, the person using it becomes inebriated more quickly than if he or she ingests the alcohol. When a person drinks alcohol, a person's body has a way to filter the alcohol and if it becomes too much the body regurgitates it. With an alcohol vaporizing device, the body has no way to do that. Although there is not yet a problem with these devices, the sponsor wants to take Washington off the target list for the companies that sell these devices.