On the calendar: dozens of bills passed including PBM reforms, anti‑shackling protections and criminal‑procedure changes

Following major floor debates on AI safety and the elections amendment, the Assembly advanced a long series of bills on the a, b and consent calendars.

Among the items moved or passed on the floor:

- A package to increase transparency in pharmacy benefit management and stabilize pharmacy reimbursement (sponsor: Assemblyman McDonald). Sponsors said the measure uses federally reported acquisition costs (NADAC) and a standard fee to shore up independent pharmacies and limit opaque PBM reimbursement practices. Supporters framed the bill as protecting local pharmacies; critics raised concerns about rate impacts on insurers and timing within rate‑setting cycles.

- A ban on certain synthetic forms of kratom described by sponsors as highly potent opioid analogs and “gas station heroin.” Supporters said it will save lives; the floor passed the bill unanimously.

- A criminal‑procedure change addressing competency determinations and pathways for treatment versus detention; supporters said it speeds access to care and reduces county jail burdens, while opponents raised concerns about public safety and the judicial standard. The bill passed after party line debate.

- Expansion of anti‑shackling protections to cover people in custody during transport and medical care for pregnancy, postpartum and pregnancy loss; supporters said the change protects dignity and maternal health, while sheriffs’ groups objected on operational and safety grounds. The measure passed with a recorded vote.

- A statutory requirement that hospitals and perinatal providers adopt evidence‑based implicit‑bias training and that the Department of Health publish periodic maternal morbidity statistics. Sponsors described the bill as a step toward reducing racial disparities in maternal outcomes.

The day’s consent calendar also included many local authorizations, technical and administrative measures, and home‑rule items. Multiple lawmakers used the final floor hours to acknowledge retiring members and staff.