Senate committee sends RS32786C1 to print to allow over-the-counter ivermectin

Senators voted to send RS32786C1, a bill to permit over-the-counter sales of ivermectin, to print after a brief presentation and questions about timing.

"It has been touted as a very safe and effective, anti parasitic medication," said Senator Tammy Nichols, who introduced RS32786C1 and asked the committee to print the RS. Nichols summarized that ivermectin received a Nobel Prize recognition in 2015 and noted decades of international use; she said the measure affirms "that Idahoans have the freedom to access safe and effective treatments without unnecessary regulatory barriers." Nichols told the committee that about 13 other states were considering similar measures and that Arkansas had recently signed such a law.

Senator Wintrow said she was reluctant to support printing given the late stage of the session and outstanding questions about safety and federal review. "I don't know that I could vote in support of this one just because of the late notion of the session and the amount of conversation as far as dealing with other stakeholders and safety and FDA and all that good stuff," she said.

After discussion the committee approved a motion to send RS32786C1 to print; the chair recorded Senator Wintrow as opposed and announced the motion carried. The RS will be printed for further consideration, allowing subsequent committee review and hearings to address safety, labeling and regulatory interaction with federal agencies.