Texas Senate Bill SB337

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 12/15/16

Caption

Relating to the age at which a person may purchase aerosol paint.

Impact

The passage of SB337 would have significant implications for state laws governing the sale of aerosol paint and similar products. Retail establishments will be required to display conspicuous signage in both English and Spanish that conveys the new legal restrictions. The law aims to foster a safer environment by preventing younger individuals from accessing substances that could potentially lead to health issues related to inhalant abuse. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that delineate heightened penalties for violators, reinforcing the seriousness of the matter.

Summary

SB337 proposes changes to the Health and Safety Code regarding the legal age at which an individual may purchase aerosol paint. Under this bill, the age requirement to buy aerosol paint is raised from 18 to 21 years old, aligning it with restrictions on other volatile chemicals that are known to be abused. The aim of this legislation is to mitigate the potential for substance abuse among younger populations, particularly focusing on reducing the incidence of inhalants being misused for their psychoactive effects.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to protect vulnerable populations, it may face opposition from retailers who are concerned about the increased regulatory burden. Some may argue that raising the legal purchase age could contribute to a decrease in sales, impacting businesses economically. Moreover, there could be discussions regarding the enforcement of such regulations, particularly in terms of identifying age verification mechanisms at points of sale. There is also a broader societal debate about individual freedoms versus public health and safety that this bill touches upon.