New proposed NJ prescription drug legislative language has been shared that would modify previously proposed legislation that was initially focused on data reporting (A2840). The new proposed language would incorporate elements of prior legislation (A1747) that would have established a prescription drug affordability board. Highlights of the changes included in this new proposed language include the removal of advance notice of price on launch and price increases; more confidentiality provisions, modified assessments and fees; and a requirement of the Council to consider the impact on the development of novel treatments.

Please contact Ian McLaughlin, VP of Government Affairs at BioNJ, with any questions or concerns: IMcLaughlin@BioNJ.org

The next Legislative session is going to host a significant number of new members, following several recent developments. Assemblyman Caputo announced his retirement, Senator Madden announced his retirement and Assemblywoman McKnight has received significant endorsements to run for Senator Cunningham’s seat. Expected changes appear below:

Senate

• Jean Stanfield (R, LD-8)
• Christopher Connors (R, LD-9)
• Steve Oroho (R, LD-24)
• Nicholas Sacco (D-32)
• Sam Thompson (R/D, LD-12)
• Sandra Cunningham (D, LD-31)
• Fred Madden (D, LD-4)

Assembly

• Dan Benson (D, LD-14)
• John Catalano (R, LD-10)
• DeAnne DeFuccio (R, LD-39)
• Sadaf Jaffer (D, LD-16)
• Parker Space (R, LD-24) – Running for Senate, LD-24
• Hal Wirths (R, LD-24)
• Angelica Jimenez (D, LD-32)
• Pedro Mejia (D, LD-32)
• Anette Chaparro (D, LD-33)
• Raj Mukherji (D, LD-33) – Running for Senate, LD-32
• Kevin Rooney (R, LD-40)
• Mila Jasey (D, LD-27)
• Ralph Caputo (D, LD-28)
• Angela McKnight (D, LD-31) – Running for Senate, LD-31
• Britnee Timberlake (D, LD-34) – Running for Senate, LD-34

Given the number of new members to the Senate and Assembly next session, BioNJ looks forward to engaging new legislators and developing opportunities for members of the New Jersey life sciences community to engage policymakers during the upcoming legislative session.

In addition to the forthcoming changes to the composition of the Legislature, several bills merit attention:

• S150 (Diegnan) - Requires physicians and other prescribers to obtain electronic or written consent for certain medications with "black box warnings."
• S426 (Smith/Codey) | A1444 (Kennedy/Mukherji/Haider) - Requires producers of packaging products sold in New Jersey to adopt and implement packaging product stewardship plans.
• S3480 (Vitale/Pou) | A5137 (McKeon) - "The Small Business Health Insurance Affordability Act"; revises certain requirements for individual and small employer health benefits plans. On second reading in the Senate and reported from AFI on 3/9/2023.
• A3568 (Gopal) - Requires certain animals used in testing to be offered for adoption; requires establishment of procedures for assessment and disposition of animals; establishes penalties for noncompliance
•  S3597 (Zwicker) | A5056 (DePhillips) - Increases tax credits for investments made in emerging technology businesses under "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act."

BioNJ is the voice of New Jersey’s life sciences sector in Trenton and Washington. BioNJ’s Public Policy Support Series sponsorship opportunities are now available for 2023. Help ensure BioNJ continues to deliver our message of improved Patient access and enhanced innovation through a Public Policy Support Series Sponsorship.  

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