GLS Advocacy Success: HB 139 Tabled Ahead of Crossover
Message from CEO
Georgia Life Sciences, and our patient partners, successfully led the effort to defeat HB 139, legislation sponsored by Rep. Todd Jones (District 25) that would have prohibited drug manufacturers and wholesalers from preventing licensed pharmacies from acquiring drugs through entities participating in the federal 340B drug discount program.
The bill was put on Thursday's House Health and Human Services agenda unexpectedly at 8:30pm Wednesday night for consideration at 2:30pm Thursday. In response, we quickly mobilized with an impressive group of over 20 colleagues and worked the committee, engaging key legislators to raise concerns about the legislation and its potential impact.
As importantly, we were able to persuade a few legislators who were on the fence or against us to be absent for the vote. As a result of these efforts, the committee voted to table the bill by a resounding 10-4 margin. Because this action occurred the day before crossover in the second year of the biennium, the measure is effectively dead for the remainder of the legislative session. We will remain vigilant through the end of the session to ensure similar language or policy proposals do not reappear in other legislation.
Thanks to all who worked together to defeat this legislation.
Maria Thacker-Goethe
President & CEO, Georgia Life Sciences
