Despite Pharma’s Strong Opposition, Drug Price Transparency Bill Moves Forward
The measure would require pharmaceutical companies to notify health insurers and government health plans like Medi-Cal at least 60 days before scheduled prescription drug price hikes that would exceed 16 percent over a two-year period. It would also force drug companies to explain the reasons behind those increases.
The Mercury News:
California Assembly Passes Drug Price Transparency Bill
The California State Assembly on Monday overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 17, controversial legislation that could soon become the nation’s most comprehensive law aimed at shining a light on prescription drug prices. ... It would enable health insurers to negotiate lower prices for drugs or, in many cases, replace those drugs with cheaper alternatives, according to its supporters. (Seipel, 9/11)
In other news from Sacramento —
Sacramento Bee:
Sex Offender Lifetime Registration Scaled Back In CA Bill
California’s sex offender registry is broken, according to law enforcement officials. ... The registry has become so large, police and prosecutors say, that it often produces too many potential suspects to be useful in solving sex crime cases. (Koseff, 9/11)
KPCC:
This Bill Is Designed To Help CA's Sweaty Indoor Workers
Last year, the California legislature passed a law requiring the state to develop rules to protect warehouse, restaurant and other workers who toil in hot indoor conditions. Regulators have until 2019 to develop the rules, but lawmakers this week could pass a bill that would speed up the process by as much as a year. (Bernstein, 9/11)