ATLANTA – State Representative Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), chairman of the House Economic Development & Tourism Committee, was appointed by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as the chairman of the House Study Committee on Pharmacy Benefits Managers and Consumers’ Access to Prescription Medications.
“As a pharmacist and a legislator deeply concerned about rising drug costs for consumers, I am grateful to be appointed to chair this important study committee and look forward to the work ahead of us on behalf of all Georgians,” said Chairman Stephens. “Our state has led the way in regulating how pharmacy benefit managers steer consumers and influence drug costs, but we have more work to do to prevent pharmacy benefit managers from further engaging in unfair practices. We must ensure that pharmacy benefit managers are not creating undue harm for patients and retail pharmacies, and this study committee will hear from experts and evaluate the facts as we explore possible legislative solutions ahead of the 2027 legislative session.”
Created by House Resolution 948, the House Study Committee on Pharmacy Benefits Managers and Consumer Access to Prescription Medications will study and evaluate the policies and practices of pharmacy benefits managers and rising drug costs.
Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representatives Butch Parrish (R-Swainsboro), Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin), Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville) and Debbie Buckner (D-Junction City).
More information about 2026 study committees may be found here.
Meeting notices, agendas and additional details for 2026 study committee meetings will be posted here.
Representative Ron Stephens represents the citizens of District 164, which includes portions of Bryan and Chatham counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1997 and currently serves as Chairman of the Economic Development & Tourism Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Appropriations Subcommittee on Health, Creative Arts & Entertainment, Rules, Urban Affairs and Ways & Means committees, as well as the Special Committee on Resource Management.
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