SB1094 — SB 1094 is introduced as the sole bill on the agenda and then heard as the final item. The author accepts committee amendments and explains that the bill aims to reduce prescription drug costs by promoting biosimilar use, allowing health plans to encourage or require substitution when a generic or biosimilar is available at equal or lower cost, and requiring reporting on savings and premium impacts. Supporters testify that the measure would make health care more affordable and remove state-law barriers that prevent pharmacists and health plans from achieving savings through biosimilar substitution. Opponents argue the bill is unnecessary because existing law already allows substitution in some cases, and they raise concerns that it expands pharmacist authority too broadly by allowing switching patients to biosimilars, including concerns for rheumatology patients. Amendments are referenced as adding notice requirements, including at least 30 days’ notice to patients and physicians when a switch is made.
SB1094 — The senator asks for an aye vote on SB 1094.
Aisha Wahab — Called during roll and responded 'Here.' The transcript contains a likely misspelling.
Aisha Wahab — Senator Wahab is called during the roll call and votes aye.
Steven Choi — Called during roll.
Steven Choi — Called on to comment and asks about the meaning of 'do not switch.'
Tim Grayson — Responded 'Here' during roll call.
Thomas Umberg — Called during roll call and responded 'Here.'
Thomas Umberg — During the roll call, Senator Thomas Umberg is called and responds, then is recorded as voting aye.
Andrew Kiefer — Introduced as vice president of State Government Affairs for Blue Shield of California; begins testimony in support of the bill.
Suzanne Shea — Introduced as a witness from Sharp Health Care who will explain the bill's impact.
Suzanne Shea — Introduces herself as a licensed pharmacist and vice president at Sharp Health Care; begins testimony.
Suzanne Shea — Continues testimony describing Sharp Health Care's medication review and cost-saving approach.
Suzanne Shea — Continues explaining that generics and biosimilars reduce acquisition costs and patient out-of-pocket expenses, using Yucyntech as an example of a lower-cost biosimilar to Stelara.
Suzanne Shea — Explains that California law allows generic substitution but not biosimilar substitution for reference biologics under current authority.
Suzanne Shea — States that current substitution barriers create administrative burdens and delays, and says SB 1094 would remove those barriers.
Suzanne Shea — Referenced as the previous witness from Sharp Healthcare whose testimony was used as an example of integrated-system substitution authority.
Brian Warren — Brian Warren, speaking for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, testifies in opposition to the bill. He explains that biosimilars are approved by the FDA as highly similar products without clinically meaningful differences, notes that interchangeability is a separate designation, and says pharmacists can already substitute interchangeable products under existing law. He argues that the FDA is already working to increase interchangeable biosimilars, that no one has shown a real need for the bill, and that current substitution practices already occur through existing protocols or in integrated systems. He closes by emphasizing that the bill’s impact on patients must be understood in context.
Tim Madden — Tim Madden, representing the California Rheumatology Alliance, testifies in opposition to SB 1094. He explains that rheumatology patients often have chronic, incurable conditions such as arthritis and may respond differently to biosimilars. He raises concerns that the bill would expand pharmacists’ ability to switch patients to biosimilars, noting that some patients experience negative reactions when switched and that multiple switches without physician notification can create confusion and adverse outcomes. He cites an example of a patient switched among biosimilars three times in four months and notes that the amendments require at least 30 days’ notice to patients and physicians.
Tim Taylor — States support on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business.
John Winger — States support on behalf of America's Health Insurance Plans.
Katie Van Dine — States support on behalf of Health Access California and says the group will review committee amendments.
Beth Malnowski — Beth Malnowski states support for the matter under discussion; the transcript garbles the organization name, but the witness’s position is clearly in support.
Map Back — Represents the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California in opposition; name may be garbled.
Moira Topp — Speaks on behalf of Biocom and says the organization remains opposed unless amended.
Alexis Rodriguez — States support on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce.
George Sorries — States the California Medical Association will move to neutral after amendments.
Adam Kenyonis — States support on behalf of California Advocates and the Family Business Association.
Nick Luizos — States support on behalf of the California Association of Health Plans.
Justin Fanzal — Justin Fanzal, speaking on behalf of CVS, states support for the measure.
John Sherekin — States strong support on behalf of the Association of California Life and Health Insurance Companies.
Anthony Butler Torres — States support on behalf of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.
Alison Ramey — States support on behalf of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association.
Tony Strickland — Senator Strickland participates in a committee discussion focused on the bill’s biosimilar substitution rules and their cost implications. He asks what amendment would make the bill neutral, raises concerns about the existing "do not substitute" language, and follows up on whether the bill effectively allows a physician or patient to block a switch. The exchange centers on whether the bill gives enough flexibility to prevent unwanted substitutions and whether the current language addresses his concerns.
Tony Strickland — Senator Strickland is called during the roll call and votes aye.
Caroline Menjivar — Introduced as the next senator with a question for the author and opposition.
Roger Niello — Senator Niello seeks to clarify his understanding of the bill by reviewing the three drug categories—original drugs, biosimilars, and interchangeable biosimilars—and then asks whether the interchangeable designation is made by Congress or the FDA.