In a significant public health move, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed Substitute House Bill 1209—now officially known as Tyler’s Law—into law, placing strict limitations on the sale and distribution of highly concentrated sodium nitrite to the general public.
The legislation, sponsored by Representative Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma), was introduced in response to a disturbing trend involving youth suicides linked to the online purchase of the toxic chemical. The bill is named in memory of Tyler Schmidt, a young man who tragically died after acquiring high-concentration sodium nitrite via the internet.
While sodium nitrite is commonly used in commercial and industrial settings—particularly in meat processing—its misuse as a suicide agent has sparked national concern. Despite repeated warnings dating back to 2018, the compound has remained widely available online, often with concentrations as high as 99% and little to no oversight, age verification, or safety labeling.
“Tyler’s Law is about saving lives and holding companies accountable,” said Rep. Mena in a statement released by House Democrats. “This legislation puts critical safeguards in place to prevent dangerous chemicals from ending up in the wrong hands.”
Under Tyler’s Law, any sale or transfer of sodium nitrite with a concentration above 10% is now illegal for individual consumers. Only verified businesses or entities that demonstrate a legitimate need for the chemical are permitted to purchase or handle it.
In addition to limiting access, the new law mandates enhanced transparency and safety measures. Sellers must now include clear warning labels about the product’s hazards and maintain detailed records of all transactions involving sodium nitrite. Violations of these regulations may result in civil penalties, reinforcing the state’s commitment to enforcement and accountability.
The law’s passage marks a milestone in Washington’s broader effort to improve chemical safety and mental health protection, particularly among vulnerable youth. It also sends a message to online retailers and chemical suppliers about the importance of ethical responsibility in the digital age.
As the state moves forward with implementation, public health advocates and lawmakers hope Tyler’s Law will serve as a national model in preventing similar tragedies across the country.
