Alabama Senate Passes PBM Regulation Bill, House Moves Religious Instruction Policy

This week, the Alabama Senate passed a bill regulating pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs), ensuring pharmacists are reimbursed no less than the Medicaid rate, alongside provisions to eliminate gag clauses. Meanwhile, Georgia lawmakers fast-tracked a bill banning transgender women from competing in women's sports, a move supported by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones but criticized by advocates who argue it distracts from more pressing issues like jobs and healthcare. In Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan measure preventing state job applicants from being rejected solely for lacking a college degree, emphasizing the importance of experience. Arkansas legislative leaders are preparing for a busy end to their session, with key bills and a budget for fiscal 2026 on the agenda, including a proposal to eliminate the grocery sales tax. As the legislative sessions progress, various issues from sports inclusion to job qualifications are sparking significant debate across states. Lawmakers are racing against time to finalize legislation before recessing in mid-April.