Interim study of the prescription drug supply chain

69th Legislature SJ 33
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – SJ 33
ENROLLED BILL
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY ON THE ENTITIES WITHIN THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG
SUPPLY CHAIN, PHARMACY SUSTAINABILITY, AND THE IMPACTS ON AFFORDABILITY AND PATIENT
ACCESS; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH
LEGISLATURE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:
(1) examine and review the structure of the prescription drug supply chain in the state, including:
(a) pharmacies, pharmacy services administrative organizations, pharmacy benefit managers,
manufacturers, providers, wholesalers, patients, and health plans;
(b) the roles, relationships, and decisionmaking authority of these stakeholders within the supply
chain; and
(c) how those dynamics affect pharmacy operations, prescription drug affordability, and patient
access, using aggregated, publicly available, or voluntarily provided data;
(2) identify factors contributing to pharmacy openings, closures, and patient accessibility, including
economic pressures, staffing availability, business arrangements, and geographic considerations;
(3) explore targeted strategies to reduce patient costs and promote the sustainability of pharmacy
operations, with particular attention to rural and underserved areas;
(4) assess the methods, best practices, technologies, and policy approaches employed by state-
administered health plans in other states to address prescription drug affordability and access challenges and
69th Legislature SJ 33
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – SJ 33
ENROLLED BILL
evaluate their relevance and applicability to Montana;
(5) ensure that the study does not request, compel, or rely on proprietary or confidential business
information. All data considered must be aggregated, publicly available, or voluntarily provided with no
expectation of confidentiality. Study methods must prioritize transparency, data integrity, and stakeholder trust
while supporting meaningful policy evaluation.
(6) engage relevant stakeholders across the prescription drug supply chain, including but not
limited to patients, providers, pharmacies, pharmacy services administrative organizations, pharmacy benefit
managers, manufacturers, health plan sponsors, and health plans to ensure comprehensive and balanced
input. Stakeholder feedback must be supported by citations, references, or source documentation sufficient to
inform additional analysis and legislative consideration.
(7) develop and recommend statutory, regulatory, or rule changes as appropriate. Each
recommendation must clearly identify how the proposal would:
(a) improve or protect patient access to essential medications;
(b) address cost impacts on patients, payers, and the state; and
(c) support the long-term sustainability of independent pharmacy operations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be
presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th Legislature.
- END -
I hereby certify that the within bill,
SJ 33, originated in the Senate.
___________________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
___________________________________________
President of the Senate
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
___________________________________________
Speaker of the House
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 33
INTRODUCED BY S. VINTON
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY ON THE ENTITIES WITHIN THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG
SUPPLY CHAIN, PHARMACY SUSTAINABILITY, AND THE IMPACTS ON AFFORDABILITY AND PATIENT
ACCESS; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH
LEGISLATURE.