SB 247 (2026): prohibiting network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense a prescription of the PBM reimbursement that is below the pharmacy's acquisition cost.

SB 247 (2026)

prohibiting network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense a prescription of the PBM reimbursement that is below the pharmacy's acquisition cost.

• Status: Referred for interim study
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Commerce and Consumer Affairs
• Senate committee: Health and Human Services
• Subject: Public and Mental Health

The Story

It was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 12, 2025. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2025-1173s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The bill was taken off the consent calendar on March 27, 2025. The committee's amendment (2025-1173s) was rejected on a voice vote on March 27, 2025. A floor amendment (2025-1401s), offered by Sen. Regina Birdsell, was adopted on a voice vote on March 27, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On March 27, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 27, 2025 and was referred to the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 23, 2025, with 3 people signed in online: 1 in support and 2 in opposition. The committee held a work session on May 7, 2025. The committee met in executive session on May 27, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee retained the bill, holding it for further work rather than reporting it out this year. The committee held a work session on September 10, 2025. The committee met in executive session on October 28, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 17–0, to recommend that the House study it after the session ends, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On January 7, 2026 the House voted to study it after the session ends on a voice vote. The committee held a work session on September 9, 2026. The committee met in executive session on October 14, 2026 to vote on its recommendation.

Sponsors

• Sen. David Rochefort (R - SD1) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Rep. Brian Cole (R - Hills 26)
• Rep. Carry Spier (D - Hills 6)

Hearings and Sessions

• March 12, 2025, 10:30 AM: hearing, Senate Health and Human Services, LOB 101
• March 27, 2025: floor debate, Senate
• April 23, 2025, 11:00 AM: public hearing, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, LOB 302-304
• May 7, 2025, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, LOB 302-304
• May 27, 2025, 1:15 PM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, LOB 302-304
• September 10, 2025, 10:00 AM: full committee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• October 28, 2025, 11:00 AM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• January 7, 2026: consent calendar, House
• September 9, 2026, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• October 14, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229

Votes

• March 27, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-1401s — voice vote, passed
• January 7, 2026, House: Refer for Interim Study — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 420-J:8
• RSA 358-A:2

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 12
• SC 14
• HC 51, page 5
• HJ 1, page 46