Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer, left, and Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem, wait to see the outcome of a vote on House Bill 4303 during a one-day special session at the Oregon State Capitol on Monday, August 10. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)  

The Oregon House passed a bill on Wednesday that will make it easier to get medicine for a common cold. 

THE ISSUE: Getting many medicines to treat the common cold requires a prescription from a doctor. 

THE BILL: House Bill 2648

WHAT IT DOES:  Allows a pharmacist or pharmacy technician to sell a drug containing pseudoephedrine without prescription to a person who is at least 18 years of age.

WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: In 2005, Oregon began requiring a prescription to obtain drugs containing pseudoephedrine because the substance is used to make methamphetamine. 

Since then, an electronic system was set up tor track sales of pseudoephedrine. Every other state that had a similar requirement has since dropped it, according to the bill’s sponsor state Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer. He said dropping the requirement will reduce health care costs. 

HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED: 

State Rep. Teresa Alonso León, D-Woodburn: No

State Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem: Yes

State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth: Excused  

State Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem: Yes

State Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence: Excused

Sate Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer: Yes

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Heads to the Senate for consideration.

-Jake Thomas

By Salem Reporter