The California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) expressed disappointment after Governor Newsom vetoed SB 966, a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform bill co-sponsored by the CPhA and authored by Senator Scott Wiener. The CPhA and its partners had worked for two years on the bill, facing strong opposition in the final stages, with lobbyists aiming to block it. Despite these challenges, the bill passed the legislature with unanimous support and attracted significant media attention for the need to regulate PBMs. However, the Governor vetoed the bill, citing concerns about potential increases in medication costs. While disappointed, CPhA remains determined to continue its advocacy efforts.
Full CPhA respnse can be read here.