HB 1444 Summary

• Designates ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine as Schedule III controlled substances requiring prescription-only dispensing in Arkansas.

• Repeals Schedule V classification and associated over-the-counter retail exemptions for these substances, eliminating previous purchase limits and blister-pack restrictions.

• Establishes criminal penalties: Class D felony for unauthorized possession, with escalating penalties (Class A misdemeanor to Class C felony) for sales limit violations based on offense history.

• Creates real-time electronic logbook system managed by Arkansas Crime Information Center to track pharmacy sales, with access limited to authorized prescribers, law enforcement, health officials, and the pharmacy board.

• Requires pharmacy recordkeeping of all transactions with customer identity verification and age restrictions (18+ years old), with records destroyed within two years unless used in active criminal investigations.