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Bill

A 304

Requires pharmacies to stock emergency contraception

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Catalina Cruz

Bill A 304 mandates all pharmacies to stock emergency contraception, improving access for consumers and promoting reproductive health and autonomy.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 304

Summary of Bill A 304: Requires Pharmacies to Stock Emergency Contraception

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 304
  • Title: Requires pharmacies to stock emergency contraception
  • Status: Referred to Higher Education
  • Introduced On: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 304 is to ensure that all pharmacies are required to stock and make available emergency contraception. This legislation aims to improve access to emergency contraceptive methods for individuals who may need them, thereby promoting reproductive health and autonomy.

Key Provisions

  • Mandatory Stocking: The bill mandates that all pharmacies within the jurisdiction must carry emergency contraception. This includes various forms of emergency contraceptive pills that are approved for use.
  • Accessibility Requirements: Pharmacies will be required to ensure that emergency contraception is readily accessible to consumers, potentially including measures to prevent any undue barriers to access.
  • Compliance and Enforcement: The bill may outline specific compliance measures and penalties for pharmacies that fail to adhere to the stocking requirements, although these details would need to be clarified in subsequent legislative discussions.

Affected Parties

  • Pharmacies: All retail pharmacies operating within the jurisdiction will be directly impacted by this legislation, as they will need to adjust their inventory and potentially their operational procedures to comply.
  • Consumers: Individuals seeking emergency contraception will benefit from improved access, which may lead to better health outcomes and increased reproductive autonomy.
  • Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals may see changes in how they counsel patients regarding emergency contraception, knowing that it will be more readily available.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 08, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Higher Education committee for further consideration. This indicates that it is in the early stages of the legislative process and will undergo review and potential amendments before any voting occurs.
  • Related Legislation: Bill A 304 is related to several prior-session bills (A 573, A 2831, A 9855, A 4088, A 475) and has a companion bill (S 6450) in the Senate, suggesting ongoing legislative interest in the topic of emergency contraception access.

Conclusion

Bill A 304 represents a significant step towards enhancing access to emergency contraception in pharmacies. By requiring pharmacies to stock these essential health products, the bill aims to support individuals' reproductive health needs and ensure that emergency contraceptive options are available when needed. The bill's progress through the legislative process will be closely monitored as it moves through the Higher Education committee.

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

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