FDA will regulate nitrous oxide sold for recreational use.

What it does

The bill tells the FDA to make rules for nitrous oxide products people inhale for fun. It bans flavored versions and requires plain packaging with big warning labels. It stops sales to people under 21. Stores cannot sell it late at night or display it openly. The bill gives money to nonprofits, schools, and police for education programs. Medical, dental, food, and industrial nitrous oxide are not affected.

Who it affects

Young people and adults who use nitrous oxide will face new limits on buying it. Companies that sell nitrous oxide products must follow new rules. Schools, nonprofits, and police will get money to teach about the risks.

One thing to notice

The bill does not say how much nitrous oxide a person can buy at once. The FDA will decide that rule later. The bill also does not address internet sales or shipments from other countries.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

2 cosponsors: 2 Democrats.

• Jul 15, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in Senate”
• Jul 15, 2026 — Referred to Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions · Congress.gov: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• FDA — The federal agency that approves medicines and regulates food and drugs.
• nitrous oxide — A gas that some people inhale for fun; it can cause serious nerve and brain damage.
• recreational — Used for fun or pleasure, not for medical or work purposes.