Tracking system for meth delayed in Senate

NASHVILLE - Senate disagreement today over how best to combat illegal production of methamphetamine in Tennessee resulted in the forced delay of a proposed electronic tracking system.

Senators voted 18-12 to delay the measure, sponsored by Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, for a week.

The system is being promoted by pharmaceutical manufacturers and the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, who don't want to see cold medicine made with pseudoephedrine - one of the key ingredients in meth - turned into prescription-only drugs.

Some lawmakers, however, supported that plan.

During debate, Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, a pharmacist, said the industry-backed tracking bill doesn't appear to solve Tennessee's meth problems.

"I feel at least in my area, law enforcement would like to see pseudoephedrine made a controlled substance. I would favor the approach that they take," McNally said.

As the debate continued, Beavers told colleagues "this is a serious bill. I don't think you need to question it."

She rejected requests to delay the measure, resulting in the vote forcing the delay.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.

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