Oct. 17, 2018
HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), that would prohibit the sale of over-the-counter cough medicines containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors, on Wednesday was passed unanimously by the Senate and sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.
House Bill 1951 would require that merchants check the age of someone who attempts to purchase a product containing DXM to ensure the individual is over the age of 18.
“This bill is part of our continuing efforts to resolve Pennsylvania’s drug epidemic,” said Toohil. “We learned about the dangers of DXM during a committee meeting on the alarming variety of harmful substances being abused by young people. They are purchasing products containing DXM and mixing it with soda.”
Toohil’s legislation would also create a new summary offense, punishable by a fine of $250-$500, for a person who knowingly sells a DXM product to a minor, for a person who falsely misrepresents his or her age to obtain any quantity of DXM or for a person who purchases a DXM product with the intent to sell it. Subsequent violations would each carry a $500 fine.
“I would like to thank my fellow members on the House Judiciary Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf for advancing this important piece of legislation,” added Toohil.
Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Rep. Toohil’s Office
717.260.6136
RepToohil.com /
Facebook.com/RepToohil