OLYMPIA – Today, Governor Bob Ferguson signed Substitute House Bill 1209, known as Tyler’s Law, into law. Sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma), the legislation restricts the sale of highly concentrated sodium nitrite—a substance linked to multiple youth suicides nationwide.
The bill honors Tyler Schmidt, who died after purchasing the chemical online. Despite warnings dating back to 2018, some online retailers continued to sell sodium nitrite at concentrations up to 99%, without age verification or safety measures in place.
“This law is about saving lives and holding companies accountable,” said Rep. Mena. “Sodium nitrite at such high concentrations has no household use and can be lethal.”
Tyler’s Law establishes critical accountability measures to protect the public and prevent future tragedies. The law prohibits the sale or transfer of sodium nitrite above 10% concentration to anyone other than verified businesses or institutions with a legitimate need. It also requires warning labels, record-keeping, and imposes civil penalties for violations.
HB 1209 includes an emergency clause and takes effect immediately. Watch the Governor sign this legislation by clicking here or on the image above.