SJR45ENROLLED
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SJR45
U99QFDG-2
By Senators Butler, Stutts, Sessions, Beasley, Chambliss,
Jones, Shelnutt, Roberts, Singleton, Bell, Melson, Livingston,
Allen, Elliott, Kelley, Hovey, Chesteen, Carnley, Kitchens,
Gudger, Waggoner, Albritton, Stewart, Figures, Barfoot
RFD: Rules
First Read: 20-Mar-25
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First Read: 20-Mar-25
Enrolled, An Act,
SJR___ DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF THE LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
AGENCY TO HIRE AN OUTSIDE CONSULTANT TO STUDY PHARMACY
BENEFITS MANAGER PRACTICES.
WHEREAS, pharmacy benefits managers are
intermediaries between health insurers and pharmacies which
manage the prescription drug benefits component of health
insurance plans, negotiate drug pricing, and make
reimbursement to dispensing pharmacies in the plan network;
and
WHEREAS, pharmacy benefits managers engage in
multifaceted pricing, fees, and claims adjudication
practices that have the effect of inadequately reimbursing
pharmacies for the cost of dispensing drugs; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has considered numerous
pieces of legislation in the past few years regarding
pharmacy benefits manager practices; and
WHEREAS, concerns have been raised that inadequate
reimbursement practices by pharmacy benefits managers
significantly contribute to the alarming rate of pharmacy
closures in the State of Alabama; and
WHEREAS, the closure of local independent pharmacies
disproportionately impacts our rural communities in areas
that are already underserved by health care providers,
limiting access to essential medications for Alabamians; and
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limiting access to essential medications for Alabamians; and
WHEREAS, the practices of pharmacy benefits managers
and their interaction with the regulation of insurance is
complex, and the assistance of outside expertise would be of
value; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH
HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That the Director of the
Legislative Services Agency is directed to hire a consultant
with national expertise and experience from outside of the
state to do a comprehensive study on pharmacy benefits
manager practices and their relationship with other actors
in the drug supply chain, including drug manufacturers, drug
wholesalers, and pharmacy services administration
organizations, and the resulting effects on prescription
drug costs, the practice of pharmacy, and consumer access to
medications. Upon approval of this resolution by the
Governor, the Director shall request proposals from
consultants and choose a qualified expert, who shall
undertake the study and report findings and recommendations
to the Director, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate,
and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by no later
than December 1, 2025.
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than December 1, 2025.
________________________________________________
President and Presiding Officer of the Senate
________________________________________________
Speaker of the House of Representatives
SJR45
Senate 20-Mar-25
I hereby certify that the within Act originated in and
passed the Senate.
Patrick Harris,
Secretary.
House of Representatives
Passed: 03-Apr-25
By: Senator Butler
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