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Bill

SD 937

An Act repealing the sunset date for drug stewardship

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Keenan

Bill makes Massachusetts's drug stewardship program permanent by removing its expiration date, ensuring ongoing pharmaceutical manufacturer-funded medication collection and disposal.

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Bill Summary · SD 937

Legislative bill overview

This bill removes the expiration date on Massachusetts's drug stewardship program, making it permanent rather than temporary. Drug stewardship programs typically require pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors to fund collection and disposal of unused or expired medications to prevent environmental contamination and misuse.

Why is this important

Removing the sunset date ensures continuity of medication disposal infrastructure without requiring periodic legislative renewal. This affects public health outcomes related to drug disposal, environmental protection, and potentially reduces medication misuse by keeping collection systems operational long-term.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry costs: Pharmaceutical companies may argue that permanent rather than temporary programs impose indefinite financial obligations without periodic review of program effectiveness or cost-benefit analysis
  • Program accountability: Making programs permanent without sunset dates reduces regular legislative oversight and evaluation opportunities to assess whether the program is functioning efficiently
  • Implementation details: The bill's effectiveness depends on how well the existing program operates; unclear whether permanent status addresses any performance issues or requires program reforms

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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