HB58 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Elaine Beech

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

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

HB58 would require classification of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine as Schedule III controlled substances, restrict their sale to prescription, and add these chemicals to the state's listed precursor chemicals with the option to exempt certain products that prevent methamphetamine production.

What This Bill Does

It would require the State Board of Health to classify the three substances as Schedule III controlled substances, meaning they would be sold by prescription. It would allow the board to exempt products containing these substances from control if they are formulated to prevent conversion into methamphetamine, and permit revocation of exemptions if the Department of Public Safety finds the exemption is no longer valid. It would also add ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine to the Board of Pharmacy’s list of listed precursor chemicals.

Who It Affects

• Consumers in Alabama who purchase products containing these ingredients, who would generally need a prescription rather than being able to buy them over the counter.
• Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of products containing these ingredients, who may seek exemptions and must ensure products are formulated to prevent meth conversion; regulators would oversee and potentially revoke exemptions.

Key Provisions

• Classify ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine as Schedule III controlled substances under the State Board of Health.
• Authorize the Board of Health to exempt from classification products containing these substances if the product is effectively formulated to prevent conversion to methamphetamine or its precursors, with the ability to revoke the exemption upon DPS notification of ineffective prevention (emergency rule pending hearing).
• amend Sections 20-2-20 and 20-2-181 to add these chemicals to the list of listed precursors, to be designated or deleted by the Board of Pharmacy by rule and to stay aligned with federal actions.
• Establish the effective date of the act as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Controlled Substances