SJR45 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom ButlerSenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Pharmacy benefits manager; directing LSA director to retain national consultant to study and report on effects of pharmacy benefits manager practices in the State of Alabama

Summary

SJR45 directs the Legislative Services Agency to hire an outside national consultant to study pharmacy benefits manager practices in Alabama and report findings by December 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

It requires the Director of the Legislative Services Agency to hire a national expert from outside Alabama to conduct a comprehensive study of pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) practices and their relationship with other players in the drug supply chain. The study will look at how PBM practices affect prescription drug costs, pharmacy operations, and consumer access to medications. After the Governor approves the resolution, the Director must solicit proposals, choose a qualified consultant, and ensure the study and its findings/recommendations are delivered to legislative leaders by December 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Alabamians who rely on prescription medications, with potential impacts on drug costs and access depending on the study's recommendations.
• Pharmacies and other participants in the drug supply chain (manufacturers, wholesalers, and PBM-related organizations), who are analyzed for reimbursement practices and relationships within the supply chain.

Key Provisions

• Directs the Director of the Legislative Services Agency to hire a national, outside consultant to conduct a comprehensive study of PBM practices and their relationship with drug supply chain actors.
• The study will examine PBM practices and their interactions with manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacy services organizations, and the resulting effects on prescription drug costs, the practice of pharmacy, and consumer access to medications.
• Upon Governor's approval, the Director must request proposals from consultants, select a qualified expert, and have them undertake the study and report findings and recommendations to the Director, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House by December 1, 2025.
• The report will provide findings and recommendations to inform future legislative or policy actions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Insurance