Texas House Bill HB1137

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/6/11
• Voted on by House: 4/21/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/11
• Engrossed: 4/21/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/5/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the transmission of records regarding over-the-counter sales of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and norpseudoephedrine and a person's civil liability for certain acts arising from the sale of those products.

Impact

The implications of HB 1137 on state laws include strengthened regulatory oversight of the sale of products containing these substances, aiming to reduce unlawful distribution and potential abuse. By requiring businesses engaged in these sales to adopt a real-time logging system, the bill promotes stricter control measures, while perhaps streamlining processes for businesses to verify and document sales, thus enhancing public safety and community health.

Summary

House Bill 1137 establishes new requirements for the transmission of records regarding over-the-counter sales of specific controlled substances, namely ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and norpseudoephedrine. The bill mandates that business establishments involved in such sales must utilize a real-time electronic logging system to communicate sales information effectively. This system is designed to enhance collaboration among law enforcement agencies across states to monitor and regulate the sale of these substances, which are often misused to manufacture illegal drugs.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at improving public health safety standards, it may raise concerns regarding privacy and the extent of government oversight in personal purchases. Some business owners may also argue against the financial and operational burden of establishing such a system, particularly smaller establishments that may find compliance challenging. Furthermore, there is a balance to be struck between preventing misuse of these substances and ensuring legitimate access for consumers who require them for valid medical purposes.