Anti-meth measures become law; limits some sales

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Legislation further restricting purchases of popular cold and allergy medications illicitly used to make methamphetamine was signed into law Tuesday.

Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell endorsed the bill and a companion measure creating new crimes related to illegal drug production. Maxwell was filling in for Gov. Bob Holden, who was out of state.

Both bills were sponsored in the House of Representatives by state Rep. Rob Mayer, R-Dexter.

"It is gratifying to see legislation recognizing the great problem we have in the state of Missouri," Mayer said. "Signing these bills give law enforcement more resources and tools to fight the scourge of methamphetamine."

The first bill limits sales of over-the-counter drugs containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine as the sole active ingredient to two packages per purchase, or no more than six grams. The current limit is three packages.

Store will have to keep such products, which include Sudafed, behind the checkout counter or within 10 feet of it and in clear view of a clerk. That provision is intended to thwart thieves.

Multi-ingredient medications will not be subject to the new restrictions, though the three-package per purchase cap will still apply.

The second measure will make it a class A felony to manufacture controlled substances in a residence occupied by a child or within 2,000 feet of a school.

The unlawful release of anhydrous ammonia, another key methamphetamine ingredient, into the atmosphere will be a class B felony. If the release causes injury or death, the charge would be upgraded to a class A felony.

Releases of anhydrous ammonia legitimately used in agricultural production would not be a crime.

The bill also established the Missouri Sheriff's Methamphetamine Relief Task Force consisting of five county sheriffs appointed by the governor. The group shall administer grants for anti-methamphetamine initiatives.

Both measures take effect Aug. 28.

The bills are HB 470 and SB 39.

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