Nevada Legislature: Assembly panel considers ban on powdered alcohol

Nevada lawmakers are considering a ban on the sale and possession of powdered alcohol.

Assembly members reviewed the proposal Wednesday during a hearing in the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The Senate already passed the measure unanimously.

The proposed ban is in an amendment Republican Sen. James Settelmeyer made to SB464, which would grant underage drinkers some immunity from criminal charges if they report a medical emergency involving themselves or another person.

Powdered alcohol is a beverage mix that can be blended with a liquid to create an alcoholic drink. It’s banned in six states and heavily regulated in several others. Settelmeyer said he wasn’t aware of any Nevada stores selling the substance but wanted to take a proactive stance in prohibiting it. It is a significant health risk, he said.

The original bill was sponsored by the Nevada Youth Legislature. If passed, Nevada would join 21 other states with so-called “medical amnesty” legislation, according to the Medical Amnesty Initiative.

No one testified against the bill. The committee took no action on the measure.