Bill would make Missouri the final state in the nation to have a prescription drug monitoring program

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Intro:	Missouri is the only state in the nation without a program to monitor prescription drugs. A bill passed by the House Thursday would change that.
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Wrap: Bill sponsor Representative Holly Rehder said it is time Missouri finally join the rest of the nation in using a prescription drug monitoring program.

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Description: "Time and time again, we have shown that Missouri's controlled substances are not controlled and that we are a hotbed for abuse."

Democrat Rochelle Walton-Gray of St. Louis County opposed the measure because she said it hurts her constituents.

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Description: "It does hurt my constituents because we have issues with... economic reasons, we're trying to get to the doctor, and our elderly."

The House passed the bill by a 107-48 margin.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Steven Anthony.

Intro:	Opponents of a bill that would establish a prescription drug monitoring program attacked the bill as intrusive on individuals during a House debate Thursday.
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Wrap: Republican Representative Keith Frederick of Rolla attacked the bill as intrusive and called out his fellow Republicans.

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Description: "Will you prevent government from intruding more and more into the lives of your constituents, or will you facilitate that intrusion? Will you impose more taxes, as this will certainly eventually end up being funded from taxes, or will you seek to reduce those burdens on your constituents?"

43 Republicans voted against the measure, but it passed the House by a 107-48 vote.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Steven Anthony.

Intro:	Supporters of a prescription drug monitoring program for controlled substances said the bill is a good first step during a House debate Thursday.
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Wrap: Republican Representative Shawn Rhoads from southern Missouri said the potential drug monitoring program is a good first step.

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Description: "Obviously, this plan is not perfect, but it is a start in the right direction and I think that's what we really need to be more focused on is that it's a start in the right direction. And maybe we can change a little here, change a little there, and make it better down the road."

Rhoads voted for the bill, but 43 of his fellow Republicans did not.

The bill ended up passing by a 107-48 vote.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Steven Anthony.