Beavers' New Anti-Meth Bill Becomes Law

NASHVILLE, TN, June 10, 2011 --  Major legislation passed in the Tennessee General Assembly to stiffen penalties for making methamphetamines in the presence of a child and which implements a statewide electronic tracking system to curb meth production has been signed into law.

Governor Bill Haslam signed the bill, which was sponsored by Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), on Monday before a large crowd of supporters and law enforcement officials.

“I am very pleased this bill has now been signed into law,” said Senator Beavers. “E-tracking will give local law enforcement officials a powerful investigative tool to track and stop meth production.”  

The new law requires that as of January 1, 2012, all pharmacies must use NPLEx, which would export the data to law enforcement.

The system will monitor and block illegal purchases of over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE), a key ingredient in methamphetamine production.  It also sets amounts of pseudoephedrine that can be purchased and changes the quantity in a person’s possession necessary to establish intent to manufacture meth .

The provision stiffening penalties against making meth in the presence of a child will take place on July 1, 2011.

“Meth has destroyed many lives in Tennessee,” added Beavers. “This new law will help fight the terrible problem we face with this illegal drug in our state.”