Federal judge stops enforcement of Minnesota prescription drug price control law
A federal judge prevented Minnesota from enforcing a new law designed to curb the price of generic prescription drugs, ruling that the statute violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prevents states from regulating trade outside their boundaries.
The law, which passed in 2023 and was signed by DFL Gov. Tim Walz, prohibits generic drug manufacturers from imposing an “excessive” price increase, defined by percentages above certain benchmarks. A trade group of drug manufacturers sued Minnesota, alleging economic damages.
The decision, first reported by MPR News editor Brian Bakst, is a rebuke of the Democratic-controlled Legislature and Walz.
Brian Evans, a spokesman for Attorney General Keith Ellison, who is conducting the state’s defense of the law, said the office is reviewing potential next steps. “We’re currently exploring our options to determine how best to move forward and protect Minnesotans from being price-gouged on their prescriptions.”
https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/federal-judge-stops-enforcement-of-minnesota-prescription-drug-price-control-law/