S488A

The New York State Senate passed the Manufacturer Disclosure and Transparency Act on a 44-16 vote, advancing legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug costs through increased transparency of patent settlement agreements. Sponsored by Sen. Fernandez, the bill requires pharmaceutical manufacturers doing business in New York to notify the Attorney General when they enter into patent settlement agreements—commonly known as pay-for-delay deals—that delay the commercial launch of generic drugs. The agreements must be made publicly available in searchable format. Sen. Fernandez argued the measure addresses a critical affordability crisis, noting that families, seniors, and patients managing chronic conditions face higher medication costs when generic alternatives are kept off the market through these arrangements. "Consumers should not be kept in the dark when decisions are made behind closed doors that affect the prices they pay at the pharmacy counter," she said. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law. Sixteen senators voted against the measure, primarily from the Republican conference.

The New York State Senate passed S488A, a bill to amend the General Business Law, on a roll call vote of 51-10. Sponsored by Sen. Fernandez, the measure will take effect 180 days after becoming law. Ten senators voted in opposition: Ashby, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Mattera, Ortt, Palumbo, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weik. No debate was recorded on the measure prior to the vote.