H 1581 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act specifying an electronic system to ensure that sales of certain products containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) do not exceed limits established under federal law

This bill sets limits on over-the-counter sales of pseudoephedrine (PSE) products, like cold medicines, directly affecting pharmacies and customers purchasing these items. It requires pharmacies to verify customer ID, log purchases, and use a free, real-time electronic tracking system starting January 2026 to prevent sales exceeding daily (3.6g) or monthly (9g) limits. The system must block sales that would violate these limits and include an emergency override for staff fearing immediate harm, which is logged. The law also preempts local regulations and makes violations misdemeanors with fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Mar 26, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Shirley Arriaga
Shirley Arriaga
DDemocratic
MA
8th Hampden