OKLAHOMA CITY – No timeline has been given as to when the state House of Representatives will release Fiscal Year 2025 budget numbers to the Senate.
Proposals introduced by southwest Oklahoma’s eight representatives – Brad Boles (R-Marlow), Trey Caldwell (R-Lawton), Toni Hasenbeck (R-Elgin), Gerrid Kendrix (R-Altus), Dick Lowe (R-Amber), Marcus McEntire (R-Duncan), Daniel Pae (R-Lawton) and Rande Worthen (R-Lawton) – are still progressing through the legislative process. One bill, Senate Bill 1390, co -sponsored by McEntire was sent to the Governor last week. Rep. Marcus McEntire (R-Duncan) SB 1390, authored by Sen. Greg McCortney (R-Ada) and co-sponsored by McEntire, is a measure related to pharmacy benefits managers. It unanimously passed the House Rules Committee and a third reading in the house and was sent to Gov. Kevin Stitt on April 2.
McCortney wrote in a March “Senate Review” column that the “measure corresponds with the ongoing battle of lowering prescription drug prices. I firmly believe Oklahomans should be able to purchase their medication at the pharmacy of their choice, not at the one their insurance requires.”
A second bill, SB 1670, also authored by McCortney and co-sponsored by McEntire also relates to pharmacy benefits managers. The bill specifically addresses modifying the audit processes and requirements and modifying the reimbursement rates. It unanimously passed out of the House Public Health Committee on April 3. A committee report was filed the next day, but it has not been sent to the Governor yet.