OHA legislative agenda advances past first deadline

Posted on: 3/1/24

By Wednesday, OHA’s legislative agenda had made it past its first deadline of this session. HB 3379 by Rep. Marcus McEntire (R-Duncan) and Sen. Brent Howard (R-Altus) was heard in the House Appropriations and Budget Committee Wednesday afternoon. The bill protects the 340B Drug Pricing program from manipulation by the pharmaceutical industry. It passed out of committee with a unanimous vote of 36-0.  

Also heard on Wednesday, on the other side of the rotunda, SB 1449 by Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City) and Rep. Nicole Miller (R-Edmond) was heard in Senate Appropriations. The bill would inject $1 million into perinatal services through the state department of health. 

Last week saw SB 1675 by Floor Leader Greg McCortney (R-Ada) pass out of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The bill makes several changes to the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Act (i.e. Medicaid managed care), including extending the provider rate floor for the SoonerSelect program by one year from its original expiration date of July 1, 2026. 

Another OHA supported 340B measure was also heard last week, SB 1628 by Sen. Howard and Rep. McEntire. The bill tackles the issue of 340B with respect to pharmacy benefit managers and prohibits discriminatory behavior by a drug manufacturer with respect to the contractual relationship between a pharmacy and 340B entity. 

The next legislative deadline is March 14 when bills must be heard and passed to the opposite chamber. (Scott Tohlen)