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CS/CS/SB 938 — Retail Sale of Dextromethorphan
by Commerce and Tourism Committee; Health Policy Committee; and Senator Benacquisto
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)
The bill regulates the sale of dextromethorphan (DXM), a synthetically produced drug, commonly used in over-the-counter cough suppressants in the United States. The bill prohibits any manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, and their employees and representatives, from knowingly or willfully selling a finished drug product that contains DXM to an individual under the age of 18 without a valid prescription. The bill requires individuals presumed to be less than 25 years of age to provide proof of age prior to purchasing a finished drug product that contains any quantity of DXM.
The bill also sets forth procedures for local law enforcement officers to enforce the law. An individual who possesses or receives a finished product containing any quantity of DXM in violation of the bill, with the intent to distribute, is subject to a civil citation and a fine of up to $100 for each violation. An employee or representative who sells a finished drug product containing DXM in violation of the act is subject to a written warning. A manufacturer, distributor, or retailer found to be in violation of the act may be subject to a civil citation and a fine of up to $100 per violation. However, a citation issued to a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be avoided upon the showing of a “good faith effort” to comply with the bill’s requirements.
The bill provides a process for disputing a citation.
The bill preempts local regulation of DXM.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect January 1, 2017.
Vote: Senate 39-1; House 115-2