FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2026
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley Joins San Diego Press Conference with Senator Catherine Blakespear on Dangers of Nitrous Oxide, Need for Restricting Sales
SB 936 would limit nitrous oxide sales to legitimate purposes to help prevent its widespread use as a dangerous recreational drug
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – Today, OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley joined Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear, Assemblymember Laurie Davies, San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan and local officials to highlight the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse and call on state lawmakers to pass legislation to limit its sale to specific uses needed in certain industries. Supervisor Katrina Foley previously led the effort to pass a countywide ban on NOX in Orange County.
“As the first county in California to ban nitrous oxide, families, schools, hospitals, and law enforcement see the harm firsthand. Local neurologists and pediatricians share stories of formerly strong individuals now struggling to stay in school as well as maintain employment and housing,” said Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley. “SB 936 saves lives statewide. I stand with Senator Blakespear in protecting our communities, preventing further harm, and holding NOX manufacturers and retailers accountable.”
Top: San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez, Senator Catherine S. Blakespear, Assemblymember Laurie Davies, San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan, and ER Doctor Vik Gulati; Bottom Left: Supervisor Foley with District Attorney Summer Stephan; Middle Right: R Doctor Vik Gulati, Assemblymember Laurie Davies, Senator Catherine S. Blakespear, Supervisor Katrina Foley, and District Attorney Summer Stephan
SB 936 would prohibit the public sale of nitrous oxide canisters larger than 8 grams, with exceptions for legitimate uses in the medical, dental, culinary and automotive industries. The canisters have become a popular recreational drug among youth but can have deadly consequences, especially for those who choose to drive while intoxicated by it.
“The abuse of nitrous oxide is a growing problem that is harming and sometimes killing teenagers and young adults, and jeopardizing road safety,” Senator Blakespear said. “Nitrous oxide is addictive, it’s dangerous and it’s readily available. SB 936 puts a stop to its wide distribution for non-legitimate purposes.”
The legislation, which passed the Senate in May on a bipartisan 32-0 vote, will be considered on Tuesday by the Assembly Public Safety Committee.
To inquire about Supervisor Foley’s media availability, please contact Latisha Townsend at (714) 559-8364.
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Vice Chair Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2026 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee
OC Public Libraries Advisory Board
Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees
Transportation Corridor Agency - Foothill/Eastern
Transportation Corridor Agency - San Joaquin Hills
Coastal Greenbelt Authority
Urban Counties Caucus
