Bill banning large sale of aerosol products moves forward in Minnesota legislative session

(St. Paul, MN) -- A bill banning the sale of large quantities of aerosol products is moving forward in the Minnesota Legislative Session.

Representative Heather Edelson (DFL- Edina) brought the bill forward with Katie O'Meara, who's son died from huffing aerosol dusters. His name was Tommy Breyers.

“In a span of three weeks, Tommy’s free will was gone,” said O'Meara said to the attending lawmakers. “The psychoactive properties had taken over [...] I can’t save Tommy now, but I can help save other people’s children. We must pass this law.”

"What appears to be a harmless product has in recent years become the cause of many deaths, harm, and addiction to Minnesotans,” Representative Edelson said.

The Minnesota Legislature says the bill would place the following restrictions on items sold with Difluoroethane, which can induce intense and highly addictive highs, under threat of misdemeanor. 

• The items must be kept behind the counter;
• Limit sales to purchasers who prove they are at least 21 years old; and
• Sell no more than three cans in a single transaction.

In addition to the previously listed restrictions, the bill calls for a red box containing phrases like "DANGER: DEATH! Breathing this product to get high can kill you", "Danger: Can stop your heart", "Caution: Can cut off air to your brain", and "Warning: Can result in death."

The bill progressed through the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee to be sent to the House Public Safety and Policy Committee. There was a lone dissenting voice vote by Representative Anne Neu Brindley (R-North Branch), who cited concerns with businesses with legitimate needs to purchase higher quantities of aerosol dust products.