03/11/04 0664s

5May2004... 1352h

2004 SESSION

04-3110

01/10

SENATE BILL 434

COMMITTEE: Public Institutions, Health and Human Services

AMENDED ANALYSIS

This bill establishes a commission to study methods for making prescription drugs more affordable for New Hampshire citizens, including but not limited to, importing drugs from Canada.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

03/11/04 0664s

5May2004... 1352h

04-3110

01/10

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Four

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Commission Established. There is established a commission to study methods for making prescription drugs more affordable for New Hampshire citizens.

2 Membership and Compensation.

I. The members of the commission shall be as follows:

(a) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house, as follows:

(1) One member from the commerce committee.

(2) One member from the executive departments and administration committee.

(3) One member from the health, human services and elderly affairs committee.

(b) Two members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.

(c) Two members of the public, appointed by the governor.

II. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.

3 Duties. The commission shall study methods for making prescription drugs more affordable for New Hampshire citizens, including but not limited to, importing drugs from Canada. The commission shall solicit comment from:

I. The commissioner of health and humans services, or designee.

II. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

III. The American Pharmaceutical Association.

IV. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

V. The American Association of Retired Persons.

VI. Any other person or entity the commission deems relevant.

4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

5 Report. The commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2004.

6 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.