Paradise Gas: Sanctions Tighten

Proposals for drastically tightening measures against the spread and use of nitrous oxide have been submitted to the National Assembly.

Amendments to the Penal Code provide for imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine of up to 5000 leva for possession and distribution of nitrous oxide.

The sanctions are even harsher " up to 8 years in prison " in cases where the quantity of the substance is significant or the act is committed under the conditions of dangerous recidivism.

The severity of the proposed penalties is an indicator of the serious concern of the legislators regarding the increasing use of nitrous oxide among young people and the potential risks to their health.

The possible consequences of the abuse of this substance have been a subject of public attention for months, and the current legislative changes could have a significant impact on combating this problem.

Changes in the Child Protection Act

In addition to the amendments to the Penal Code, the temporary parliamentary commission also proposes significant amendments to the Child Protection Act, aimed at preventing minors_q access to nitrous oxide.

Parents or guardians who do not accompany their children to catering or entertainment establishments after the evening hours specified in the law will be sanctioned with a fine of 2000 to 5000 leva.

This is a direct reaction to the concern that young people are abusing the substance in such places.

The proposed changes are categorical and aim to establish clear rules for parental responsibility.

In case of a repeated violation, the fine may reach the impressive 10,000 leva.

Higher sanctions are also proposed in case of systematic negligence of the obligation to accompany.

These additional measures demonstrate the legislator_q_s determination to address the problem of uncontrolled use of nitrous oxide among children.

Next steps

All proposed amendments, including changes to several other laws, will be officially submitted to the Registry of the National Assembly the following day.

They are expected to provoke active debates among the deputies, who will have to assess whether the proposed measures are sufficiently effective and proportionate to address the growing problem of nitrous oxide use.

The atmosphere in parliament is expected to be tense while these significant changes, which will affect the lives of many Bulgarians, are being discussed.