HB237 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Elaine Beech
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Ron Johnson Kurt Wallace David Standridge
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Pharmacies, prescription drugs, destruction of unused or expired dispensed medication, Sec. 34-23-70 am'd.
Summary: HB237 lets Alabama pharmacies accept unused or expired medications for destruction instead of refunding them.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends Section 34-23-70 to create an exception that allows the return of unused or expired dispensed medications to a pharmacy solely for destruction. Destruction must be done in compliance with applicable laws and Board of Pharmacy rules. Other pharmacy rules—such as pharmacist supervision, display requirements, and existing prohibitions on selling or refunding unused meds—remain in place. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects
Pharmacists and pharmacies in Alabama, who gain the ability to accept unused or expired medications for destruction under the new exception.
Patients with unused or expired medications, who gain a destruction option instead of refunds.

Key Provisions
Amends 34-23-70 to permit pharmacies to accept unused or expired dispensed medications solely for destruction, rather than refunding them.
Destruction must occur in compliance with applicable law or Board of Pharmacy rules; other existing pharmacy requirements remain in effect.

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