SB88 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tammy Irons

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Greg J. ReedJimmy HolleyGeorge M. “Marc” KeaheyLinda Coleman-MadisonRoger Bedford, Jr.Rodger SmithermanDel MarshCam WardWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyBryan Taylor

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine, State Board of Health required to classify as controlled substances, exemptions, removed from list of precursor chemicals maintained by State Board of Pharmacy, Secs. 20-2-20, 20-2-181 am'd.

Summary

SB88 would classify ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine as Schedule III controlled substances and allow exemptions for products that are designed to prevent meth production, with revocation if needed.

What This Bill Does

Requires the State Board of Health to place ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine on Schedule III, meaning they would be sold by prescription rather than over the counter. Authorizes the Board to exempt a product containing any of these ingredients from being a controlled substance if the product is effectively formulated to prevent conversion to methamphetamine or related precursors, and to revoke that exemption if notified by the Department of Public Safety that the product no longer meets the safety requirement. Preserves a process for hearings and emergency rules related to exemptions, and ties the state’s scheduling actions to federal actions within a 30-day window unless the Board objects. Keeps the Board of Pharmacy’s role in listing precursor chemicals, including the substances in question, with standard rulemaking procedures and an effective date after the Governor signs the bill.

Who It Affects

• Consumers: would need prescriptions to purchase these ingredients, reducing over‑the‑counter access.
• Pharmacies, manufacturers, and state agencies: would implement new scheduling, manage exemption applications, monitor product formulations for meth-prevention, and respond to Department of Public Safety notifications.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine become Schedule III controlled substances under Alabama law; the State Board of Health may exempt products containing these ingredients from classification if they are effectively formulated to prevent methamphetamine formation, with emergency revocation if misformulated.
• Provision 2: The Board of Pharmacy maintains and applies its precursor chemical listing process (including these three substances) under existing federal-aligned procedures, and the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Controlled Substances