essential drugs; price increases; limits.

SB 1402 prohibits excessive price increases for "essential off-patent or generic drugs" in Arizona, targeting manufacturers and distributors when price hikes exceed 50% within a year or cost over $80 for a 30-day supply. It requires manufacturers to justify price increases by documenting production costs and public health benefits, with the attorney general investigating potential violations. If a price increase is deemed unjustified, the law allows fines up to $10,000 per violation, refunds to consumers, or mandated lower pricing for state Medicaid program participants. The bill directly affects drug manufacturers and distributors selling these medications and impacts Arizona's Medicaid recipients.