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Bill

HB 1133

Public Health - Drug Manufacturer-Funded Disease Awareness Campaigns - Registration and Required Disclosure

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 7 co-sponsors

Requires Maryland drug manufacturers to register and publicly disclose their funding of disease awareness campaigns to increase transparency about pharmaceutical influence on medical messaging.

Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1133

Legislative bill overview

HB 1133 requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to register and disclose their funding of disease awareness campaigns in Maryland. The bill establishes transparency requirements for drug companies that financially support patient education and advocacy efforts related to specific diseases or conditions.

Why is this important

Disease awareness campaigns funded by pharmaceutical manufacturers can influence public perception of medical conditions and treatment options, potentially benefiting the drug maker's products. This bill addresses concerns about undisclosed pharmaceutical influence on public health messaging by requiring companies to identify their funding sources, allowing patients, doctors, and policymakers to better understand potential conflicts of interest.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance burden: Pharmaceutical manufacturers may argue the registration and disclosure requirements create administrative costs and complexity, potentially discouraging legitimate disease awareness efforts
  • First Amendment concerns: Drug companies may challenge the law as restricting commercial speech, arguing disclosure mandates exceed appropriate regulatory authority
  • Definition scope: Disagreement over what qualifies as a "disease awareness campaign" versus legitimate patient education, and whether the bill captures all forms of indirect funding through nonprofit intermediaries

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

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