State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) issued the following statement after House Bill 1697, legislation that seeks to address the unchecked influence and harmful practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), was signed into law:
“Today was a victory for the independent pharmacies that are the backbone of so many communities across Southern Illinois. I was proud to serve as a chief co-sponsor of HB 1697 and fight to bring long-overdue transparency and accountability to Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).
“For too long, PBMs have operated without oversight, putting family-owned pharmacies at a disadvantage and putting access to healthcare at risk. In 2024 alone, more than 85 independent pharmacies in Illinois were forced to close. We needed to act to help give independent pharmacies a fighting chance to survive.
“HB 1697 is a critical step toward restoring fairness in the pharmacy system, and I’ll continue fighting to protect the providers who serve our communities every day.”