Governor Pence Signs Bills Aimed at Limiting Meth Labs

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today signed three bills into law regarding the sale of pseudoephedrine cold medicine. The first, SEA 80, authored by Sen. Randy Head (R – Logansport) and Sen. Jim Merritt (R – Indianapolis) allows a pharmacist to deny the sale of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine on the basis of the pharmacist’s professional judgment, and provides the pharmacist with civil immunity for making such a denial.  The Governor also signed SEA 161, authored by Sen. Mike Young (R – Indianapolis) and Sen. Luke Kenley (R – Noblesville) and HEA 1157, authored by Rep. Dave Frizzell (R – Indianapolis), which require the Division of State Court Administration (DSCA) to report certain methamphetamine-related felonies to the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx) so that NPLEx can generate a stop-sale alert to prevent individuals who have been convicted of meth-related felonies from purchasing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. 

“The scourge of drug addiction impacts our communities in profound ways,” said Governor Pence. “These bills, which I am pleased to sign into law, will make it more difficult for criminals to obtain the materials used in the production of meth. It also protects Hoosier consumers who use cold medicines responsibly to treat illness. Our administration will continue to prioritize the issue of drug abuse, and these bills mark a positive step in combatting drugs as it relates specifically to meth.” 

To follow legislation as it reaches the Governor’s desk, visit http://in.gov/gov/2016billwatch.htm