What AB 1773 does
An act to add Section 1385.007 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to pharmacy benefit managers.
Existing law, the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care, and makes a willful violation of the act a crime. Existing law provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law requires a pharmacy benefit manager contracting with a health care service plan or health insurer to secure a license from the Department of Managed Health Care on or after January 1, 2027, or the date on which the department has established the licensure process, whichever is later.
This bill would require the department to maintain a public internet website displaying specified information for each licensed pharmacy benefit manager, including, among other things, the legal name, license number, and license expiration date.
Summary from the Legislative Counsel's Digest of the amended assembly text, March 16, 2026. Read the full text on leginfo.
How it got here
Assemblymember Blanca Rubio introduced AB 1773 on February 9, 2026. The text was amended 1 time, and heard in 2 committee hearings before its final floor votes.
- Assembly Floor, May 4, 2026: 73 ayes, 0 noes.
Committee votes along the way:
- Assembly Health, April 7, 2026: Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar, 16-0.
- Assembly Appropriations, April 22, 2026: Do pass. To Consent Calendar., 13-0.
Who supports and opposes AB 1773
The Assembly Health analysis dated April 3, 2026 lists 2 organizations in support and 0 in opposition.
In support: Chronic Care Policy Alliance (sponsor); California Pharmacists Assocaition.
Read the Assembly Health analysis.
What happens next
It is in the Senate, its second house. The last recorded action was on June 30, 2026.
The Governor can sign the bill, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Until the decision, sign and veto request letters are the remaining channel, and the Department of Finance's enrolled bill report carries weight on anything with a fiscal effect. If signed, most provisions take effect January 1, and implementation moves to the agencies named in the bill.
What it means for pharmaceutical organizations
This is the stage where language still changes. Amendments taken in committee are the ones that reach the Governor, so an organization with a stake in the drafting has a reason to be in that conversation now rather than after the vote.
The pharma group at Capitol Axis handles that for pharmaceutical clients.
Questions about AB 1773
What does AB 1773 do?
This bill would require the department to maintain a public internet website displaying specified information for each licensed pharmacy benefit manager, including, among other things, the legal name, license number, and license expiration date.
Has AB 1773 passed the California Legislature?
It is in the Senate, its second house. The last recorded action was on June 30, 2026.
Who supports and opposes AB 1773?
The Assembly Health analysis dated April 3, 2026 lists 2 organizations in support and 0 in opposition. Supporters include Chronic Care Policy Alliance (sponsor); California Pharmacists Assocaition.
What happens next with AB 1773?
It still has committee and floor votes ahead of it. Amendments taken now are the ones that reach the Governor, so this is the stage where language changes are still possible.