HB 1724: Prescription Drug Affordability Board; established, drug cost affordability review, report.

Official summary

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

Prescription Drug Affordability Board established; drug cost affordability review. Establishes the Prescription Drug Affordability Board for the purpose of protecting the citizens of the Commonwealth and other stakeholders within the health care system from the high costs of prescription drug products. The bill requires the Board to meet in open session at least four times annually, with certain exceptions and requirements enumerated in the bill. Members of the Board are required to disclose any conflicts of interest, as described in the bill. The bill also creates a stakeholder council for the purpose of assisting the Board in making decisions related to drug cost affordability. The bill tasks the Board with identifying prescription, generic, and other drugs, as defined in the bill, that are offered for sale in the Commonwealth and, at the Board's discretion, conducting an affordability review of any prescription drug product. The bill lists factors for the Board to consider that indicate an affordability challenge for the health care system in the Commonwealth or high out-of-pocket costs for patients. The bill also provides that any person aggrieved by a decision of the Board may request an appeal of the Board's decision and that the Attorney General has authority to enforce the provisions of the bill. The bill provides that the Board shall establish no more than 12 upper payment limit amounts annually between July 1, 2026, and January 1, 2029.The bill requires the Board to annually report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly, beginning on December 31, 2026. Provisions of the bill apply to state-sponsored and state-regulated health plans and health programs and obligate such policies to limit drug payment amounts and reimbursements to an upper payment limit amount set by the Board, if applicable, following an affordability review. The bill specifies that Medicare Part D plans are not bound by such decisions of the Board.The bill also requires the nonprofit organization contracted by the Department of Health to provide prescription drug price transparency to provide the Board access to certain data reported by manufacturers. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7 · Republican 2

“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 2, 2025House sustained Governor's veto
2. March 24, 2025Vetoed by Governor
3. March 11, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
4. March 11, 2025Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 11, 2024
5. March 10, 2025Signed by President
6. March 7, 2025Signed by Speaker
7. March 7, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1724)
8. March 7, 2025Enrolled
9. February 19, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1724)
10. February 19, 2025Senate substitute agreed to by House (52-Y 45-N)
11. February 18, 2025Passed Senate with substitute (26-Y 14-N)
12. February 18, 2025Reconsideration of Senate passage agreed to by Senate

Showing 12 most recent of 35 actions. Full history