April 13, 2005

To Members of the Media,

I’ve been working on legislation to limit access to some medications that are the basis for the illegal drug methamphetamine. My bill, ESHB 2266 passed the House with a non-partisan vote of 79 to 17. However, the measure before the Senate is a watered-down version that does nothing. Their striking amendment removes the requirement of placing the product behind the counter – much like we do tobacco products; requiring a photo ID to restrict sales to young people under 18-years-old; and also the log, which is essential for law enforcement agencies to track the purchases by meth cooks.

We were so pleased when Fred Meyer stores across the state agreed to voluntarily step forward and pledge to follow the requirements of the original House bill before it was passed to set a very positive example for our communities. They are now moving to meet the requirements in their stores.

With this, a number of us in the House decided to seek the same positive community-friendly action by another major outlet, Wal-Mart. Last week, we sent the CEO of Wal-Mart, Mr. Lee Scott, a letter requesting him to promote an equal, positive reaction to the growing problems related to availability of products that are the ingredients of meth.

Reps. Dawn Morrell, Jim McCune, Tami Green, Joyce McDonald and Dan Roach all joined me in this letter to Mr. Scott. So far, we haven’t received a response to our letter. But, we are hopeful that they will follow the lead of Fred Meyer stores in complying with the requirements of HB 2266 to show their concern for their communities and to set an example for others to follow.

We believe the bill will pass and will make a difference, like it has in many other state, in restricting the over-the-counter sales – and also of the amazingly high number of thefts of these products – to get a handle on this issue.

I’ve attached a copy of our letter (below) for your information and, hopefully, your use. If you have any questions, please contact me at: (360) 786-7912 or e-mail me at: campbell.tom@leg.wa.gov

Sincerely, 
 
Tom Campbell
Washington State Representative
2nd Legislative District

Letter to Wal-Mart