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HB 2101

Drugs, Over the Counter - As introduced, increases the amount of products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine a person may purchase in a one-year period from 43.2 grams to 61.2 grams; changes references to the "National Precursor Log Exchange" to the "electronic sales tracking system"; requires any manufacturer of an ephedrine or pseudoephedrine product that is sold in or into this state to, on a monthly basis, pay fees to the administrator of the electronic sales tracking system. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 4.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeremy Faison

Tennessee bill increases annual ephedrine/pseudoephedrine purchase limit 41% and shifts tracking system costs to manufacturers via monthly fees.

Pub. Ch. 880
#drugs #overthecounter
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Bill Summary · HB 2101

Legislative bill overview

HB 2101 increases the annual purchase limit for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products from 43.2 grams to 61.2 grams per person, modernizes the tracking system name from "National Precursor Log Exchange" to "electronic sales tracking system," and requires manufacturers to pay monthly fees to administer this tracking system.

Why is this important

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are common decongestant ingredients in cold medicines but are also precursor chemicals for illegal methamphetamine production. This bill directly affects cold medicine accessibility for consumers while attempting to balance drug precursor tracking and enforcement costs. The fee requirement shifts administrative burden to manufacturers rather than consumers or retailers.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health vs. consumer access: The 41% increase in purchase limits may improve legitimate access for people with chronic sinus/cold issues, but critics may argue it weakens methamphetamine precursor controls despite tracking systems
  • Manufacturer cost pass-through: Monthly fees paid by manufacturers could increase over-the-counter medication prices for consumers if companies pass costs along
  • Enforcement effectiveness: Changing system names and updating limits doesn't address whether current tracking actually prevents illegal drug manufacturing or if higher limits simply accommodate normal seasonal demand patterns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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