INDIANAPOLIS -Legislation proposed by State Senator Tim Skinner (D-Terre Haute) was approved by a 46 to 4 vote today in the Senate. Senate Bill 285 requires stores selling medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine to make clear to customers the legal purchasing limit of those ingredients.

"We need to ensure that methamphetamine laws target the right people," said Skinner. "This bill will accomplish that goal, while alerting consumers who purchase these products for valid health reasons of the legal restrictions."

SB 285 prohibits a retailer from selling to an individual, or a purchaser from purchasing, more than 3.6 grams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine on one day, or nine grams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine in a 30 day period. The bill also requires a retailer to electronically transmit certain information concerning the sale of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine to a statewide tracking system.

To help customers understand the legal restrictions on these pharmaceutical ingredients, the bill requires a retailer who sells drugs containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to post a sign warning that the purchase of more than three grams of the substances is a criminal offense. Upon request, the clerk who is conducting the transaction is required to tell the purchaser how many grams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are contained in the drugs being purchased.

The bill will now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

For more information on Senator Skinner, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call
1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.in.gov.

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