HF 4046

04/30/25   REVISOR  SGS/VJ  25-05110
This Document can be made available
in alternative formats upon request  State of Minnesota
  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
  H. F. No.   4046
03/05/2026     Authored by Bakeberg, Nadeau, Reyer, Davids and Tabke
  The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Health Finance and Policy
1.1A bill for an act
1.2relating to health; authorizing the stockpiling of essential medications for
1.3emergencies; requiring a report; appropriating money; proposing coding for new
1.4law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 145.
1.5BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.6Section 1. [145.846] STATE-MANAGED MEDICATION STOCKPILING.
1.7Subdivision 1. Purpose. In order to manage the impacts from drug shortages and public
1.8health emergencies, the state requires a stockpile of essential medications to ensure
1.9emergency preparedness, address drug shortages, ensure ethical distribution of medication,
1.10ensure public safety, and manage supply chain disruptions. The state shall proactively protect
1.11patient access to medications by establishing medication reserves.
1.12Subd. 2. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
1.13meanings given.
1.14(b) "Essential medications" means prescription and over-the-counter drugs deemed
1.15necessary for public health.
1.16(c) "Stockpiling" means the accumulation of medication beyond reasonable personal or
1.17institutional necessity.
1.18Subd. 3. Authorization. (a) The Department of Health, in collaboration with the
1.19Department of Commerce, shall create and manage a strategic stockpile of essential
1.20prescription medications. The commissioner of health shall collaborate with medical experts,
1.21pharmaceutical companies, and community health clinics to determine the scope of the
1.22stockpile needed.
Section 1.  1
04/30/25   REVISOR  SGS/VJ  25-05110
2.1      (b) The Department of Health may contract with third-party vendors to manage stockpiled
2.2  inventory. The third-party vendors must have expertise in warehouse design; implementation
2.3  of a stockpile; and management of medication tracking, inventory replenishment, distribution,
2.4  and inventory rotation.
2.5      Subd. 4. Implementation. (a) The Department of Health shall develop protocols and
2.6  guidelines for inventory tracking, storage conditions, equitable medication distribution,
2.7  formulary development, and periodic reviews to ensure the safety and efficacy of stockpiled
2.8  medications.
2.9      (b) The department shall develop protocols for the equitable distribution of stockpiled
2.10 medications during emergencies. Distribution limits may be imposed during declared
2.11 emergencies to ensure fair access.
2.12     (c) The department shall maintain a comprehensive inventory of medications within the
2.13 stockpile and develop distribution protocols to ensure the distribution of medications and
2.14 shall coordinate with local health authorities, emergency responders, and health care facilities.
2.15     (d) The department shall enter into agreements with pharmacies, hospitals, and
2.16 manufacturers to facilitate the procurement and storage of essential medications.
2.17     Subd. 5. Reporting and oversight. The department shall submit an annual report to the
2.18 chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
2.19 health policy and finance. The report must detail the stockpile inventory, usage, and any
2.20 updates to management protocols.
2.21     EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.
2.22   Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION.
2.23     $....... in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
2.24 health for the purposes of section 1.
Sec. 2.  2