SB 25-033: Prohibit New Liquor-Licensed Drug Stores

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

On and after April 10, 2025, the act prohibits the state and local licensing authorities (licensing authorities) from issuing a new liquor-licensed drugstore license (license). Licensing authorities may continue to renew existing licenses. On and after April 10, 2025, a person holding a license (licensee) is prohibited from changing the location of, merging, selling, converting, or transferring a license; except that a licensee that holds a license that was issued to an independent pharmacy before January 1, 2025, may change the location of or sell or transfer the license to another licensee that is an independent pharmacy that holds a license or to a person that does not already have a license. The act defines an independent pharmacy as a prescription drug outlet privately owned by at least one licensed pharmacist with no ownership interest by or affiliation with a chain or publicly owned pharmacy. The act prohibits an owner, part owner, shareholder, or person interested directly or indirectly in a liquor-licensed drugstore from having an interest in more than 8 licenses. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 24 · Republican 4

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 10, 2025Governor Signed
2. April 3, 2025Sent to the Governor
3. April 2, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
4. April 2, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
5. April 1, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. March 31, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
7. March 27, 2025House Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
8. March 25, 2025House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
9. March 13, 2025House Committee on Business Affairs & Labor Refer Unamended to Appropriations
10. February 20, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
11. February 20, 2025Introduced In House - Assigned to Business Affairs & Labor
12. February 19, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee

Showing 12 most recent of 15 actions. Full history