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CaliforniaAB 502025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Pharmacists: furnishing contraceptives.

Sponsored By: Mia Bonta (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Easier birth control at pharmacies

Pharmacists can give emergency contraception, over-the-counter birth control, and prescription self‑administered hormonal birth control. For prescription hormonal methods, they use state‑approved protocols with a CDC‑based self‑screening tool and refer you to a doctor or clinic when needed. Over‑the‑counter contraceptives do not need those special protocols. You get a standard factsheet, and the pharmacist must tell your primary care provider or give you a written record if you do not have one. Before giving emergency contraception, the pharmacist completes at least one hour of training, cannot ask for extra personal medical details beyond state rules, and the state boards enforce these rules.

Up to 12 months of birth control

At your request, a pharmacist must dispense up to a 12‑month supply of prescription self‑administered hormonal birth control when your prescription lists an initial fill plus refills. If the pharmacist is furnishing birth control under the state protocol, or it is over the counter, you can ask for up to a 12‑month supply in one visit. This does not force a pharmacist to dispense if doing so would break the law’s refusal rules.

Your rights when filling prescriptions

Licensed clinicians cannot block you from getting a legally prescribed drug. Pharmacies must fill lawful prescriptions unless it would be illegal or harmful, the item is out of stock, or a pharmacist has a written, accommodated conscience objection. If out of stock, they must tell you right away and deliver, transfer, or refer you to a nearby pharmacy. These rules apply to emergency contraception, over‑the‑counter birth control, and pharmacist‑furnished hormonal contraceptives. Pharmacies must post a notice of your rights. They do not have to dispense without payment from you or your insurer.

Lower costs for emergency contraception

Pharmacies cannot charge a separate consultation fee for emergency contraception. They may add an administrative fee up to $10 above the drug’s retail price, but insured patients with a pharmacy benefit do not pay this fee. If you ask, the pharmacy must tell you the total price, including any fee. This fee rule ends for dedicated emergency contraception drugs if the FDA makes them over the counter.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mia Bonta

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 151 • No: 0

Senate vote • 9/8/2025

Item 195 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 39 • No: 0

legislature vote • 6/9/2025

Vote in CS42

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote • 4/28/2025

Item 73 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 73 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/23/2025

Vote in CX25

Yes: 15 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/1/2025

Vote in CX33

Yes: 17 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 135, Statutes of 2025.

    9/26/2025Senate

  2. Approved by the Governor.

    9/26/2025legislature

  3. Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4:30 p.m.

    9/15/2025legislature

  4. In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling.

    9/8/2025House

  5. Read third time. Urgency clause adopted. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 39. Noes 0. Page 2579.).

    9/8/2025Senate

  6. Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

    6/24/2025Senate

  7. From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8.

    6/23/2025Senate

  8. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 9). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

    6/9/2025Senate

  9. Referred to Com. on B. P. & E.D.

    5/7/2025Senate

  10. In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.

    4/29/2025Senate

  11. Read third time. Urgency clause adopted. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 73. Noes 0. Page 1316.).

    4/28/2025House

  12. Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

    4/24/2025House

  13. From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (April 23).

    4/23/2025House

  14. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. pursuant to Assembly Rule 96.

    4/7/2025House

  15. Re-referred to Com. on HEALTH.

    4/3/2025House

  16. Read second time and amended.

    4/2/2025House

  17. From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on HEALTH. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (April 1).

    4/1/2025House

  18. Referred to Coms. on B. & P. and HEALTH.

    2/18/2025House

  19. From printer. May be heard in committee January 2.

    12/3/2024House

  20. Read first time. To print.

    12/2/2024House

Bill Text

  • Chaptered

    9/26/2025

    HTML

  • Enrolled

    9/10/2025

    HTML

  • Amended Assembly

    4/2/2025

    HTML

  • Introduced

    12/2/2024

    HTML

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