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Bill

S 4926

Relates to contracted network pharmacy use

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Ramos

Sets rules for contracted network pharmacies used by state programs and employer plans, aiming to curb costs while safeguarding patient access and choice.

RETURNED TO SENATE
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Bill Summary · S 4926

Summary: Senate Bill S 4926 — Relates to contracted network pharmacy use

Quick facts

  • Bill number: S 4926
  • Title: Relates to contracted network pharmacy use
  • Sponsor: Jessica Ramos (primary)
  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • Current status: Returned to Senate
  • Related/companion bills: A 6887 (companion); related bills in prior sessions include S 7245, S 1026, S 1974, A 8117
  • Key procedural path (highlights from the record):
    • Referred to Labor (Feb 14, 2025)
    • Advance through Senate stages, including 1st/2nd/3rd reading
    • May 19, 2025: Passed Senate and delivered to Assembly
    • June 17, 2025: Substituted for A6887; passed Assembly; returned to Senate

Purpose and intent (based on title)

  • The bill relates to the use of contracted network pharmacies. While the specific statutory language is not included here, the title suggests aims to govern, regulate, or modify how contracted network pharmacies are engaged by state programs, employers, or public entities. Typical objectives in this domain include ensuring access, control of drug costs, transparency in contracts, protection of patient choice, and alignment with labor or public-sector concerns.

Note: The exact provisions, definitions (e.g., “contracted network pharmacy,” “network adequacy,” required contract terms), and the precise scope (state agency programs, public employee health plans, Medicaid, or other) would be in the bill text itself and are not provided in the summary data.

Key provisions and changes (available details)

  • Specific text and operative provisions are not included in the provided materials.
  • The bill underwent a substitution process (substituted for A6887) in June 2025, indicating a legislative move to align S 4926 with an Assembly bill’s framework or to incorporate amendments from that bill.
  • The bill’s progress shows notable activity in both chambers within the 2025 session, including committee referrals and readings, suggesting substantive policy language and potential changes to contracting practices with pharmacies.

Who would be affected

  • Entities involved in state health programs, public employee benefits, or employer-sponsored health plans that use contracted network pharmacies.
  • Pharmacies that participate in contracted networks could be subject to terms, pricing, or credentialing requirements established by the bill.
  • State agencies or programs administering pharmacy benefits and contracting processes, and potentially labor stakeholders if labor terms are implicated (consistent with the bill’s referral to the Labor committee in Assembly).

Procedural/timeline overview

  • Feb 14, 2025: Introduced and referred to Labor
  • Mar 3–5, 2025: Early readings and reports (1st/2nd reports)
  • May 19, 2025: Passed Senate; delivered to Assembly
  • Jun 17, 2025: Substituted for A6887; passed Assembly; returned to Senate
  • Status: Returned to Senate (as of the latest information)

Next steps for readers

  • To understand the exact policy impact, consult the full text of S 4926 (and the substituted A6887 version) to review definitions, requirements, enforcement mechanisms, timelines for implementation, and any fiscal implications.
  • Monitor updates from the Senate and Assembly for final disposition and any further amendments or conference actions.

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

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