SB 493 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to protection of certain disclosures and communications by pharmacists and pharmacies regarding prescription drug benefits.

SB 493 protects pharmacists and pharmacies from contractual restrictions that prevent them from sharing key cost information with patients and discussing service details with health insurance plans. Specifically, it prohibits contracts from blocking pharmacists from: (1) informing patients about differences between their out-of-pocket costs with and without submitting a claim under their health plan, and (2) communicating with insurers about prescription drug benefits, pharmacy services, network access, or reimbursement. The law applies only to contracts entered into or amended on or after September 1, 2025, directly affecting pharmacists, pharmacies, and patients covered by health benefit plans. It creates a clear legal right for pharmacists to discuss cost and service matters without penalty.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Nov 2024

Committee Review

May 2025

Senate Passage

May 2025

House Passage

May 2025

Signed into Law

Jun 2025

Introduced Nov 22, 2024 Signed Jun 20, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed → Enrolled · 4 edits · Jun 20, 2025

MODERATE

The bill was converted from an 'Engrossed' version to an 'Enrolled' version, which is the final approved text ready for the Governor's signature. The substantive policy content regarding pharmacist protections remains largely the same, though the title and section references were updated to reflect final legislative action. The bill protects pharmacists from being forced to sign contracts that restrict their ability to inform patients about cost differences or communicate with insurance plan sponsors.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on protecting pharmacists and pharmacies from contractual restrictions on their ability to communicate with patients and plan sponsors regarding prescription drug benefits. The enrolled version includes final certification of passage by both legislative chambers and the Governor's approval.

TECHNICAL

The bill title was updated from 'SB A No A493' to 'SB 493 - Enrolled version - Bill Text' to reflect its final status after legislative passage and approval.

Added certification language confirming the bill passed the Senate on April 10, 2025, the Senate concurred in House amendments on May 22, 2025, and the House passed the bill with amendments on May 20, 2025.

Added signature lines for the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Secretary of the Senate, Chief Clerk of the House, and the Governor to indicate final approval.

Minor formatting and spacing changes throughout the document to conform to enrolled bill standards, including removal of placeholder text and adjustment of section numbering.

Floor votes · House May 20, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 20, 2025

Signed into law

Signed by the Governor

executive

May 23, 2025

Lower · Passed

Signed in the House

lower

May 23, 2025

Upper · Passed

Signed in the Senate

upper

May 22, 2025

Introduced

Senate concurs in House amendment(s)-reported

lower

May 22, 2025

Introduced

Senate concurs in House amendment(s)

upper

May 22, 2025

Introduced

House amendment(s) laid before the Senate

upper

May 20, 2025

Upper · Passed

House passage as amended reported

upper

May 20, 2025

Lower · Passed

Passed

lower

May 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee report sent to Calendars

lower

May 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee report distributed

lower

May 9, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported favorably as substituted

lower

Apr 30, 2025

Lower · Passed

Left pending in committee

lower

Apr 30, 2025

Lower · Passed

Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee

lower

Apr 22, 2025

Committee

Referred to Insurance

lower

Apr 22, 2025

Introduced

Read first time

lower

Apr 14, 2025

Introduced

Received from the Senate

lower

Apr 10, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed

upper

Mar 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

Committee report printed and distributed

upper

Mar 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported favorably as substituted

upper

Mar 26, 2025

Upper · Passed

Vote taken in committee

upper

Mar 18, 2025

Upper · Passed

Left pending in committee

upper

Mar 18, 2025

Upper · Passed

Testimony taken in committee

upper

Feb 3, 2025

Committee

Referred to Health & Human Services

upper

Feb 3, 2025

Introduced

Read first time

upper

2 primary · 3 co-sponsors