Senate Bill 5234 update: Yesterday, Senator Kline "pulled" the secure medicine take-back bill from the "white sheet" out to the Senate floor. A voice vote was held and the Aye's had it, against loud Nay's. The bill is now listed as "on 2nd reading" which means it is on the Senate floor awaiting a vote. It is not clear when a floor vote may occur.
As expected, pharmaceutical companies are lobbying hard against it. State senators need to hear from local advocates for a statewide medicine return program now!
Showing posts with label medicine return bill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label medicine return bill. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Medicine take-back bills still alive
Both medicine return bills that were considered by the Washington State Legislature last year, SSB 5234 and HB 1370, will be re-introduced in the 2012 session. A summary of the bills may be viewed on the Take Back Your Meds campaign website.
During the 2011 session, the Senate bill was supported by 24 Senators at the “cut-off” deadline. Support from at least one more Senator is needed to pass the bill during the 2012 session.
The Senate bill will start in Rules Committee. This means there will not be a hearing. Instead, advocates need to communicate directly with Senators about the problem of prescription drug abuse and the role medicine return programs can play in preventing prescription drug abuse. While it is important to communicate with House members, the first priority is educating Senators.
Legislators are hearing a lot from the pharmaceutical industry -- they do not want to be responsible for funding a medicine return program in our state. It is likely that the Legislature won’t act to approve the bills unless they hear from the many advocates of medicine return programs.
During the 2011 session, the Senate bill was supported by 24 Senators at the “cut-off” deadline. Support from at least one more Senator is needed to pass the bill during the 2012 session.
The Senate bill will start in Rules Committee. This means there will not be a hearing. Instead, advocates need to communicate directly with Senators about the problem of prescription drug abuse and the role medicine return programs can play in preventing prescription drug abuse. While it is important to communicate with House members, the first priority is educating Senators.
Legislators are hearing a lot from the pharmaceutical industry -- they do not want to be responsible for funding a medicine return program in our state. It is likely that the Legislature won’t act to approve the bills unless they hear from the many advocates of medicine return programs.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Medicine return legislation needs support
Senate Bill 5234 currently is being considered in the Washington State Senate -- it would create a secure medicine return program in our state. This bill could have a significant impact on youth substance abuse prevention. It is currently being considered by the Senate Rules Committee.
Nationwide, we've heard reports about youth abuse of prescription medications on the rise. Prevention science confirms that reducing access to harmful substances is a proven method for preventing youth substance abuse. For the legislation to move forward, the Senate Rules Committee will need to vote on it by March 7. Pharmaceutical companies who oppose the bill are working hard to ensure that the bill does not get a full Senate vote.
For more information about this issue, visit the Take Back Your Meds campaign website.
Nationwide, we've heard reports about youth abuse of prescription medications on the rise. Prevention science confirms that reducing access to harmful substances is a proven method for preventing youth substance abuse. For the legislation to move forward, the Senate Rules Committee will need to vote on it by March 7. Pharmaceutical companies who oppose the bill are working hard to ensure that the bill does not get a full Senate vote.
For more information about this issue, visit the Take Back Your Meds campaign website.
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