INDIANAPOLIS- Today the Indiana Senate and Indiana House of Representatives gave final approval to legislation that would prohibit a retailer from selling, and a purchaser from purchasing, more than 3.6 grams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine on one day, or nine grams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (PSE) in a 30-day period. House Bill (HB) 1320 sponsored by State Senator Tim Skinner (D-Terre Haute), was approved by a vote of 50 to 0 in the Senate and a vote of 95 to 0 in the House.

To help customers understand the legal restrictions on these pharmaceutical ingredients, HB 1320 requires a retailer who sells drugs containing ephedrine or PSE to post a sign warning that the purchase of more than 3.6 grams of the substances in one day is a criminal offense.

"This bill will ensure that methamphetamine laws target the right people, while alerting consumers who purchase these products for valid health reasons of the legal restrictions," said Sen. Skinner. "I'm happy with the bipartisan support for this legislation and look forward to clarifying this state law."

In addition, the legislative council shall assign an interim study to look into the implementation and effectiveness of a statewide electronic tracking system and whether or not ephedrine and pseudoephedrine should be classified as controlled substances and be available by prescription only.
 
HB 1320 will now be sent to the governor for final consideration and possible enactment.

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

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EDITORS NOTE: Audio of Senator Skinner's comments from the floor can be heard at:
http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/files/Skinner.1320.3510.mp3

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