CHPA Praises Passage Of Sen. Beavers' Anti-Meth Bill

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Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Apr 10, 2014, 03:59 ET

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) released the following statement today after the Tennessee Senate passed SB 2021—legislation introduced by state Senator Mae Beavers (R-17) that would strengthen criminal penalties for individuals convicted of possessing or distributing methamphetamine. Senator Beavers' bill would increase the mandatory minimum sentences for all meth offenders. Individuals convicted of manufacturing meth would have to serve at least 180 days in confinement, while a person convicted of possession would have to serve a minimum of 30 days.

"Since the start of the 2014 legislative session in Tennessee, thousands of consumers have sent letters and made calls to their state representatives," said Carlos Gutierrez, senior director and head of state government affairs for CHPA. "While each Tennessean has unique concerns and reasons for becoming engaged on this important issue, one of the most common themes is a frustration that some of the legislation being proposed will end up hurting law-abiding consumers more than the criminals who are responsible for the meth problem. Senator Beavers's anti-meth legislation, however, would do the opposite. It's designed to target criminals, to impact meth production recidivism and to also provide a deterrent to stop meth crime before it happens. It's exactly the kind of balanced and targeted approach that a clear majority of Tennessee voters have consistently favored. We want to commend Senator Beavers for her leadership on this important legislation."

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is the 133-year-old trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary supplements. Every dollar spent by consumers on OTC medicines saves the U.S. healthcare system $6-$7, contributing a total of $102 billion in savings each year. CHPA is committed to promoting the increasingly vital role of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements in America's healthcare system through science, education, and advocacy.

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SOURCE Consumer Healthcare Products Association