Senate approves anti-meth bill

Legislation to target meth manufacturers without limiting consumer access to medicines has been approved by the Senate. House Bill 2941, authored by Rep. David Derby and Sen. Rick Brinkley, was approved Tuesday by a vote of 46-1.

Brinkley said the proposal is a way to fight meth addiction in Oklahoma without burdening law-abiding citizens by forcing them to get a prescription for safe, effective cold and allergy relief like Claritin or Advil Cold and Sinus.

“The tragedy of meth addiction in Oklahoma demands a strong legislative response,” said Brinkley, R-Owasso. “This bill provides us with a way to fight meth production in a way that protects the rights of law-abiding citizens. It provides law enforcement with powerful tools to combat meth manufacturers and empowers pharmacists to prevent illegal sales.”

HB 2941 enhances Oklahoma’s real-time electronic blocking system, ensuring it is online with other states which use the technology to limit the sale of pseudoephedrine. The bill also limits over-the-counter purchases of pseudoephedrine to 7.2 grams per month – the recommended therapeutic dosage, and would institute a 72-hour purchase block for those who exceed the daily purchase limit.

Rep. Derby said he was pleased to see the measure advance with broad support.

“House Bill 2941 is the toughest meth bill in the nation and it is the toughest without impeding access to law abiding citizens,” said Derby, R-Owasso.