State Senator Rob Schaaf says voters should decide for themselves whether to give up privacy to reduce prescription drug abuse. The Saint Joseph Republican opposes creating a prescription database unless voters approve it.

Schaaf’s bill is similar to one sponsored by Senator David Sater of Cassville, except Sater’s would not go to a vote of the people. Sater says a prescription database would reduce the practice of going from doctor to doctor to get drugs. Both bills are under consideration in committee.