House strengthens enforcement language in hospital price‑transparency bill, amid rural hospital concerns

The House debated third‑reading amendments to Senate File 57, a measure requiring hospitals to disclose service pricing and enabling state monitoring.

Representative Singh moved an amendment to replace permissive language (“may monitor” and “may impose a civil penalty”) with mandatory terms (“shall monitor,” “shall impose a civil penalty”) to ensure consistent enforcement across facilities. Supporters said the change gives the bill teeth and ensures consumer protections are enforceable. Opponents, including several members representing rural districts, raised concerns about an unfunded mandate that could strain small hospitals and suggested corrective action plans rather than automatic penalties.

Chair and other members noted sunset clauses and the expectation that hospitals should already meet federal standards for pricing disclosures. The House divided the amendment (it was divided into two parts); the monitoring provision was adopted but the automatic penalty language was later not adopted as written. Ultimately the House passed SF 57 on the floor with a roll call (58 yes; three excused; one absent).

What happens next: The bill will proceed to concurrence and enrollment steps; supporters said they will monitor implementation and consider technical corrections if needed.