S3518

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Fernandez that would increase transparency in pharmaceutical industry practices by requiring notification to the Attorney General when drug companies pay to delay generic medications from entering the market. The bill, Senate Print 3518, passed on a 51-11 vote. Sen. Fernandez argued the measure would help catch unethical practices that artificially keep drug prices high and prevent consumers from accessing needed medications. "We want to know what's happening, when it's happening, so wrong things don't happen," Fernandez said in explaining her support. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law. Eleven senators voted against the measure: Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Mattera, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco and Weik.