CHPA Applauds Hawaii's Adoption Of SB 2228

WASHINGTON, June 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) today applauded Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie for signing into law Senate Bill 2228—anti-meth legislation authored by Senator Josh Green (D-3) and Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland (D-13). Hawaii now becomes the 24th state to adopt real-time, stop-sale technology known as the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx).

The real-time blocking system— provided at no charge for the state—allows retailers to automatically block unlawful pseudoephedrine (PSE) purchases in real-time and at the point of sale. The process works much like a declined credit card transaction. Data collected by NPLEx also provides law enforcement officials with valuable information that helps them build stronger cases against those who would divert PSE to manufacture meth and make more arrests. NPLEx is an effective, targeted solution to domestic meth production that protects law-abiding citizens' access to safe and effective cold and allergy medicines containing PSE.

"I am very gratified to see Governor Abercrombie sign our bill. This measure makes Hawaii a safer place for our citizens," said Senator Josh Green, one of the bill's two sponsors.

"By joining a network of 23 other states that use real-time, stop-sale technology, Hawaii is providing retailers and police officers with an invaluable tool to stop meth crime at its source," said Scott M. Melville, president and CEO of CHPA.  "With more than 2 million grams of illegal sales stopped in 2011 and numerous arrests so far in 2012, NPLEx is proving to be an undeniable success. The more states that sign up for the system, the more powerful it becomes."

"By targeting criminals, NPLEx will allow responsible Hawaii consumers to continue to buy safe and effective medicines containing pseudoephedrine to treat common cold and seasonal allergy symptoms. Adoption of this important legislation is a victory for law enforcement, retailers and elected officials, but most importantly, it is a victory for the consumer. I applaud Sen. Green, Sen. Chun Oakland, and Governor Abercrombie for their leadership on this critical issue."

SOURCE Consumer Healthcare Products Association