[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6317241,"mediaKeyId","2374826-b56b4e638b0898d5e39483c2103a053a","parentId",2374826,"title","House approves NAADAC-based reimbursement to shore up independent pharmacies","audioSeconds",1046,"startMs",7565000,"endMs",8611000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2374826-b56b4e638b0898d5e39483c2103a053a&start=7565&end=8611","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2374826-b56b4e638b0898d5e39483c2103a053a/thumbnail_7565000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6317241/Georgia/House-approves-NAADAC-based-reimbursement-to-shore-up-independent-pharmacies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317241-17bf1074722718be69d59d803b84055e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771084505&Signature=XAS3UWszLxHJhZ7KVTGyf5NYRWH9BGIxowMRWxR5A7fF2Z7nGBBNmiKn73lhjom6etVpfV2sD9v9uV1E1U8Z~Y4s7f4djJL4IuK~tVSyvnzFahJe9V2mqRZzgAOCnmwfP~oifvTxaiNZRfNvyL0iQANQ0x~aV6LamlLwIaVHvfXfJVec~thqQpcvj15chfd68SKlbXuTPtYykiugeoRL3FX1eZfQBeInBhm10cPg~mM59cNkIJLYLQzv4wJvjfm97~llPEvFq6lnKXBT-01rixa4INmd~zQnc914MLY~0W1i2Uzd5-hj7B-pwkVKCEE1PmiGCZ2Jg-h5Fu92YgQA5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","GA State Legislature ","date","2025-02-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Georgia House passed House Bill 196 on Feb. 21, 2025, a bill intended to guarantee a floor for reimbursement to pharmacies when filling prescriptions under the state employees health insurance plan. Sponsor Representative Kelly said the bill creates a guaranteed reimbursement rate tied to the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NAADAC) plus a reasonable dispensing fee.

Nut graf: Sponsors, committee chairs and supportive members described the measure as a step to keep independent pharmacies financially viable after years of compressed reimbursements from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Floor speakers cited specific examples of pharmacies filling medications at a loss to avoid leaving patients without necessary drugs.

During floor debate, Representative Kelly described a case in which a rural pharmacist faced a choice: not fill two urgent prescriptions or fill them and lose about $500. Chairman Allen Powell called the measure a matter of fairness toward small businesses. Representative Stevens provided an example comparing a specialty drug price quoted by a PBM — roughly $3,833 — to a NAADAC-based cost in the low tens of dollars, arguing the disparity shows the need for reform.

The bill passed unanimously in a recorded vote, yeas 168, nays 0. Supporters said the legislation will increase price transparency and protect patients who rely on community pharmacies for primary access to medicines in rural areas.

Clarifying details in debate: the bill ties state-plan reimbursement to NAADAC pricing plus a dispensing fee; sponsors framed the policy as part of a larger effort to address PBM practices and specialty-drug routing to mail-order or specialty pharmacies. Exact budgetary effects were not provided on the floor; sponsors said the change could increase state costs modestly but argued it would preserve access and could reduce higher overall plan costs tied to specialty pharmacy arrangements.

Provenance: presentation and discussion began at s=7565.13; committee chairs and multiple members spoke in support; final vote recorded at s=8596.415.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Session Day 21: 02.21.25","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 196 passed Feb. 21, 2025, creating a reimbursement formula for drugs dispensed to covered persons under the state health insurance plan using NAADAC-based pricing plus a dispensing fee. Sponsors said the measure will help independent pharmacies in rural Georgia that have been reimbursed below acquisition cost.","taxTitle","HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Georgia","taxId",15505,"location","Georgia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317246,"House approves bill directing Georgia to publish cleared list of drones for government use",291,6378000,6669000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2374826-b56b4e638b0898d5e39483c2103a053a&start=6378&end=6669","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2374826-b56b4e638b0898d5e39483c2103a053a/thumbnail_6378000.jpg","/articles/6317246/Georgia/House-approves-bill-directing-Georgia-to-publish-cleared-list-of-drones-for-government-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317246-32269fda433bbc69c3ffaea7364c3a1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771084505&Signature=WPD539SyEp~sgTUInHcbevT0tLGvRmSww9ttu1ChdeLbKYCZlklM9fUJxEK54xnHPCw7upNwjcF7ElhVNegfk1RyD8PhZdV2vSPlnp3NWIQne21B7JCFoM1xlQ2f-ixyAzH1~18hc~cQzptkO4WUh49hZokAKSeHNMxdZb0OGn8XTgJwYaPeckz57LrZ4KGMx41f9wRzYTWwBPfTu6IEZFPz3LihG068e89Ob73YpnsffMDRoyQwzvYsW85wsAcnMuzyLgJTPPPmC2D07tHjg88xmF10X9PNjqi4AITKhmRaVZlS1p4QR68rjqntmQsjT5KCHAZnp-nPnGLdnTRr8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Georgia House on Feb. 21, 2025, approved House Bill 205, a measure directing the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and the Department of Administrative Services to develop and publish a cleared list of unmanned aircraft systems for state and local government use.

Sponsor Rep. Clark said the bill responds to concerns that a large share of commercial drones are manufactured by companies with ties to the People’s Republic of China and that those devices can store and transmit data. \"The key requirement is simple. Drones must not be capable of transmitting data to unauthorized parties,\" Clark said on the floor.

Nut graf: Supporters framed the measure as a targeted, security-focused procurement policy — not a ban on private ownership — that requires state and local agencies to prefer models vetted against federal and Department of Defense criteria. Under the bill, GEMA/HS must develop and publish a cleared list by Dec. 1, 2025; beginning Jan. 1, 2028, state and local agencies will be prohibited from acquiring drones that are not on that cleared list.

On the floor, back-and-forth questions ranged from domestic-technology comparisons (a representative noted that many commonly used devices are made abroad) to whether currently deployed drones would be out of compliance. Clark told members the three-year compliance window accounts for typical drone replacement cycles and gives agencies time to adjust. Chairman Crow, speaking in support, said the bill is a \"proactive step to modernize Georgia's approach to drone technology.\"

The measure passed in a recorded vote, yeas 162, nays 1. Supporters said the bill does not restrict private citizens or businesses from purchasing drones for personal or commercial use; rather, it standardizes procurement for public agencies.

Clarifying details in the bill text and sponsor remarks include: a required coordination with the Department of Administrative Services and consultation with technical experts; a requirement that approved models comply with FAA standards and Department of Defense clearing; and an emphasis that approved models must meet security requirements to prevent unauthorized data transmission.

Provenance: Representative Clark presented the bill at s=6378.125; supporters and committee chair spoke in favor (s=6834.5903); final passage recorded at s=7040.5747.","The House passed House Bill 205 directing state agencies to use only “cleared” unmanned aircraft systems; sponsors cited national security concerns tied to foreign-made drones and set deadlines for a cleared list and phased compliance.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317250,"House votes on a package of bills covering drones, hunting gear, education and health care",123,4563000,4686000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2374826-b56b4e638b0898d5e39483c2103a053a&start=4563&end=4686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2374826-b56b4e638b0898d5e39483c2103a053a/thumbnail_4563000.jpg","/articles/6317250/Georgia/House-votes-on-a-package-of-bills-covering-drones-hunting-gear-education-and-health-care","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317250-834b64a2c1699391c5a7f00e46c1c3dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771084505&Signature=k-93WCp-7cIHr98dDgMDdfsg9ifGLuFlUC-VUUGR8aDK08hIu~Y25ObiAmKAqfZpQX3Kw-c1Sd6p37IvLAeO1NnSfk28tI1TLKPEm2FwhfOkkY6lQdo4x0vhxGylQg9MqMeILYzxqpSg8aOfbhGq-2mEb19QUSdBiuY0Uj9XxOLU-QZ2QeMTynCdC4xAiJcJ3QNbTpLrO35By78Re8EiWGd3gOmhUg25j~ze8AFRbOCVrKL192Ix-5BVqf5j4rroTylpBWiC~PKdNdsIaYs~8QFDxzrEucx6dW0uWzxnRdb4SGT-VqPqAy06~3xhnjTAWSJ01pS8keSY6oxsA-uXlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Georgia House passed a slate of bills on Feb. 21, 2025, including measures on unmanned aircraft systems, hunting visibility rules, workforce education, changes to vital records for foreign adoptions and pharmacy reimbursement policy. Lawmakers recorded final votes on multiple items; most measures received the constitutionally required majorities and were approved.

Why it matters: The package touches state procurement and security (drones used by government agencies), public-safety and event management (drone restrictions over mass gatherings), everyday services (prescription reimbursement and pharmacy viability), and education and workforce alignment — areas that affect state operations, local budgets and constituent services.

Key votes and outcomes

- House Bill 167 (allowing fluorescent pink as an alternative to fluorescent orange for hunting garments). Result: passed, yeas 159, nays 0.

- House Bill 58 (authorizing local restrictions on unmanned aircraft systems over mass public gatherings; creates a misdemeanor zone around ticketed events, with exceptions and a 400-foot buffer as described by sponsors). Result: passed, yeas 153, nays 4.

- House Bill 192 (incorporating the state high-demand career list into certain education programs and strengthening reporting and articulation with system partners). Result: passed, yeas 155, nays 1.

- House Bill 181 (removing a duplicative readoption/domestication step for children adopted abroad who already have federal recognition/citizenship; allows issuance of a Georgia certificate of foreign birth without a judicial order when criteria are met). Result: passed, yeas 154, nays 0.

- House Bill 283 (electronic capture of signatures and related traffic citation provisions). Result: passed, yeas 155, nays 6.

- House Bill 205 (directing Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and Department of Administrative Services to publish and maintain a cleared list of approved unmanned aircraft systems for state and local agency purchases; compliance required by 01/01/2028). Result: passed, yeas 162, nays 1.

- Senate Bill 16 (modifies restrictions on public officers engaged in the bail bond business by adding a geographic exception so a bonds business located outside the county one serves is permitted). Result: passed, yeas 159, nays 6.

- House Bill 196 (establishes a reimbursement floor for drugs dispensed under the state employees health plan using NAADAC pricing plus a dispensing fee; sponsors described the measure as intended to help independent pharmacies). Result: passed, yeas 168, nays 0.

Also on the local calendar: the House approved an uncontested local calendar by recorded vote (yays 170, nays 0) that included a set of county and municipal local bills requiring a 2/3 recorded vote.

What lawmakers said: Sponsors and committee chairs framed the bills in terms of constituent service and state security. For example, sponsors of the drone procurement bill said the goal is to “ensure that drones used by our government agencies can be rendered safe from foreign interference.” Supporters of the pharmacy bill described cases where local pharmacies were filling prescriptions at a loss and argued the measure helps keep rural pharmacies open.

Next steps: Passed bills return to the legislative process (transmittal to the Senate or enactment steps) per standard legislative procedure. Several bills include implementation deadlines (for example, House Bill 205 requires a cleared list by Dec. 1, 2025, and restricts new agency purchases of nonapproved models beginning Jan. 1, 2028).

Votes provenance (selected evidence): \"House Bill 167...to authorize fluorescent pink hunting outer garments\" (transcript first read at s=4563.165) — \"On the passage of House Bill 167, the yays are 159...\" (s=4754.61). \"House Bill 58...restrict the flight of unmanned aircraft systems over mass public gatherings\" (s=4786.635) — \"On the passage of House Bill 58: the yays are 153, the nays are 4.\" (s=5281.53). \"House Bill 205...develop a list of approved unmanned aircraft systems for use\" (s=6312.3447) — \"On the passage of House Bill 205: the yeas are 162. The nay is 1.\" (s=7040.5747).","The Georgia House took recorded votes on a range of bills Feb. 21, 2025, approving measures on unmanned aircraft, hunting visibility, workforce education, pharmacy reimbursement and other items. Several measures were debated; most passed by comfortable margins.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House approves NAADAC-based reimbursement to shore up independent pharmacies

House approves bill directing Georgia to publish cleared list of drones for government use

House votes on a package of bills covering drones, hunting gear, education and health care