Minneslate Logo

HF2476 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Over-the-counter allergy medicine sale restrictions modified.

Related bill: SF3087

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to update and modify the restrictions on the sale of certain over-the-counter allergy medicines that contain substances used as methamphetamine precursors, specifically focusing on drugs containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

Main Provisions

  • Modification of Sales Limits: Restricts the sale of methamphetamine precursor drugs by limiting single over-the-counter sales to not more than two packages or any combination of packages exceeding a total weight of six grams. Additionally, individual purchases within a 30-day period cannot exceed seven and a half grams.
  • Packaging Regulations: Allows for over-the-counter sales in blister packs, where each blister contains no more than two dosage units, or in unit dose packets if blister packs are not feasible.
  • Retail Display Requirements: All packages of methamphetamine precursors must be displayed behind a checkout counter and sold only by licensed pharmacists, registered pharmacy technicians, or pharmacy clerks.
  • Identification and Record-Keeping: Buyers must provide photographic ID and sign a document showing the date of sale, buyer's name, and amount sold. Sales records must be kept for three years.
  • Age Restriction: Prohibits the sale of methamphetamine precursor drugs to individuals under 18. Sellers can defend against violation charges by proving they relied on legitimate identification.
  • Penalties: Establishes that knowingly violating sales restriction terms is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Business managers and employees are specified regarding responsibility and potential penalties depending on their knowledge and involvement in violations.

Significant Changes

  • The bill preempts any local ordinances or regulations regarding the sale of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine products, voiding any existing local laws prior to the bill's effective date.

Relevant Terms

  • Methamphetamine precursor
  • Ephedrine
  • Pseudoephedrine
  • Over-the-counter sale
  • Blister packs
  • Photographic identification
  • Age restriction
  • Misdemeanor

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toHealth Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the specific quantities of methamphetamine precursor drugs permissible in sales."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous packaging restrictions that included certain weight calculations."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies restrictions on the sale of certain over-the-counter allergy medicines under section 152.02, subdivision 6.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to definitions and terminologies related to methamphetamine precursor drugs."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "152.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Reference to proof of age in relation to sales restrictions under section 340A.503, subdivision 6.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides an affirmative defense to age restrictions on sales of certain drugs."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "340A.503",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  }
]

Sponsors