Multiple crime-fighting bills get unanimous approval

? Methamphetamine makers would find it harder to get a key ingredient of the illegal drug and prosecutors would have more time to build a criminal case under bills passed Friday by the House.

All the measures are Senate bills and will return to that chamber so it can consider changes made in the House.

The bill directed at meth makers passed 122-0. It requires certain cold and allergy tablets containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to be sold only by pharmacies from behind a counter. Customers would have to show identification and sign a log book.

The House version makes it illegal for consumers to purchase more than three packages within a week. The Senate’s version makes it illegal for retailers to sell more than three packages at a time to a person.

The House also voted 124-0 to extend the statute of limitations from two years to five years for most felony crimes.

Supporters say it gives prosecutors more time to build cases, especially those requiring complicated or multistate investigators.

The House voted 124-0 for a bill dealing with human slavery and involuntary servitude, creating the crimes of trafficking and aggravated trafficking. It makes it a crime to recruit a person when it’s known the person will be used for forced labor or involuntary servitude.

The legislation was prompted by the case of a Newton couple accused by federal authorities of fraud and abusing mentally ill adults at their group home.

On an 88-44 vote, the House approved a bill mandating drug treatment for inmates currently serving time for nonviolent drug crimes. A judge must sign off on modifying a sentence, which would result in the inmate being placed on parole and being required to attend drug treatment sessions.

Another bill, passed 123-1, expands a rape shield law to cover any court proceeding. Currently, the law applies only to jury trials. The law prohibits evidence at trial of an alleged victim’s previous sexual conduct, unless the court decides it’s relevant.