SB 494 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING PRESCRIPTION DRUG SHORTAGES, PRESCRIPTION DRUG REBATES AND PROHIBITED MANUFACTURER PRACTICES CONCERNING CERTAIN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

This bill establishes a bipartisan task force to study prescription drug shortages and develop strategies to prevent them. The task force will include representatives from healthcare providers, insurance companies, tribal leaders, and state agencies, who will meet annually to identify at-risk medications and recommend solutions. It also expands an existing state program to help local companies increase production capacity for essential drugs. Additionally, the bill maintains existing rebate requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturers selling drugs covered by state medical assistance programs.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 12, 2026 Last action Apr 7, 2026

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What changed between versions

Raised Bill → HS Joint Favorable Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renumbered from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill' after receiving a favorable recommendation from the legislature. The title was expanded to explicitly address prescription drug shortages and prohibited manufacturer practices. The composition of the oversight task force was modified to include specific representatives for hospitals and rare disease providers, and the reporting deadline was extended to January 1, 2027.

Scope change

The bill's scope was broadened by adding 'prohibited manufacturer practices' to the title and expanding the task force membership to include specific healthcare stakeholder representatives.

TIMELINE

The deadline for the task force to submit its first annual report was changed from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027.

ELIGIBILITY

Task force membership requirements were updated to include two members appointed by the Senate president pro tempore who specifically represent hospitals and providers treating rare diseases.

SCOPE

The bill title was expanded to include 'prescription drug shortages' and 'prohibited manufacturer practices' alongside the original focus on task force recommendations.

TECHNICAL

The bill status was updated from 'Raised Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' and the Legislative Committee number was changed from 2853 to 2854.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

upper

Mar 12, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Human Services

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors