All Roll Calls
Yes: 228 • No: 1
ArkansasHB15312025 Regular SessionHouse
TO PROHIBIT PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS FROM RESTRICTING OR LIMITING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO A LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NETWORK OF OUT-OF-STATE PHARMACIES.
Sponsored By: Brandon Achor (Republican), Justin Boyd (Republican)
Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
More local drug access for patients
For drugs expected to be covered by affected Arkansas public health plans, manufacturers must comply by September 1, 2026. Beyond three months after launch, limited pharmacy networks must offer similar access through qualified Arkansas pharmacies that request or apply. Access must span the state, include public academic medical centers, and offer participation to local for-profit and nonprofit pharmacies. Pharmacies must be in good standing, have relevant specialty-drug experience or accreditation, and meet medication-specific federal requirements. Restrictions lasting six months or longer need advance Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy approval and an explanation of how they support public health. Approved networks must include Arkansas pharmacies able to meet same-day patient needs without requiring out-of-state facilities or mail delivery. The Board can set approval conditions, consider costs, logistics, patient numbers and rarity, and hold hearings on permanent restrictions. The three-month access rule excludes the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program.
Public plans face drug payment limits
Affected Arkansas state and public health plans cannot pay for drugs from manufacturers that fail to comply with this law. Manufacturers must comply by September 1, 2026. The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy can grant temporary waivers or limited-use allowances to protect public health and access. These exceptions can allow drug use, payment, or coverage that otherwise faces limits.
Drug makers need permits, face fines
Manufacturers expecting their drugs to be covered by affected Arkansas public plans must hold an active Arkansas wholesale distributor permit. The permit must be in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. Covered manufacturers must comply by September 1, 2026. The Board must fine noncompliant manufacturers $10,000 for each day of noncompliance, including covered Medicaid drug manufacturers.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Brandon Achor
Republican • House
Justin Boyd
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/10/2025
House Vote - Thursday, April 10, 2025 2:42:58 PM
Yes: 98 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/8/2025
Senate Vote - Tuesday, April 8, 2025 9:05:21 PM
Yes: 32 • No: 1 • Other: 1
House vote • 4/1/2025
House Vote - Tuesday, April 1, 2025 2:20:51 PM
Yes: 98 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Notification that HB1531 is now Act 630
4/16/2025HouseCorrectly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's Office.
4/10/2025HouseTO BE ENROLLED
4/10/2025HouseSenate amendment # 1 read and concurred in.
4/10/2025HouseReturned by the Committee with the recommendation that it do pass, concur in Senate Amendment No. 1
4/9/2025HouseRe-referred to the Committee on INSURANCE & COMMERCE- HOUSE
4/9/2025HouseReturned from Senate as passed, as amended # 1
4/9/2025HouseReturned to the House as passed as amended # 1 .
4/8/2025SenateRead the third time and passed.
4/8/2025SenateREPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED
4/7/2025SenateAmendment # 1 read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and adopted, ordered engrossed.
4/7/2025SenatePlaced on second reading for purpose of amendment.
4/7/2025SenateReturned by the Committee with the recommendation that it Do Pass as amended, Amendment # 1
4/3/2025SenateRead first time, rules suspended, read second time, referred to INSURANCE & COMMERCE - SENATE
4/1/2025SenateReceived from the House.
4/1/2025SenateRead the third time and passed and ordered transmitted to the Senate.
4/1/2025HouseREPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED
3/31/2025HouseAmendment No. 2 read and adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.
3/31/2025HousePlaced on second reading for the purpose of amendment.
3/31/2025HouseReturned by the Committee with the recommendation that it do pass as amended 2
3/19/2025HouseREPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED
3/18/2025HouseAmendment No. 1 read and adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.
3/18/2025HousePlaced on second reading for the purpose of amendment.
3/18/2025HouseRead the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on INSURANCE & COMMERCE- HOUSE
2/19/2025HouseFiled
2/19/2025House
Bill Text
HB1531 - Introduced
2/19/2025
Act Version
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