Travis Tranel, Wisconsin State Representative of 49th District | Official Website
Travis Tranel, Wisconsin State Representative of 49th District | Official Website
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, and application of prescription drug payments to health insurance cost-sharing requirements. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill significantly modifies the regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to address professional dispensing fees, fiduciary duties, and disclosure requirements. It mandates PBMs to pay pharmacies professional dispensing fees consistent with state rates under the Medical Assistance program and prohibits them from imposing various fees on pharmacies or using unrelated certification requirements as determinants for pharmacy network participation. The bill requires timely updates and access to maximum allowable cost lists and outlines an appeal process for pharmacies. PBMs are prohibited from retaliating against pharmacies for reporting violations. Additionally, it introduces stipulations for handling 340B drug pricing programs, including equal reimbursement rates and prohibiting restrictive measures on these entities. The legislation sets new rules for formulary changes, requiring advance notice and restricting changes to times of coverage renewal. Effective dates for various provisions vary, with some tied to contract renewals or collective bargaining agreements. The bill takes effect the day after publication, with some sections delayed until the start of the fourth month after publication.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Mary Felzkowski (Republican-12th District), Representative Scott Allen (Republican-82nd District), Representative David Armstrong (Republican-67th District), Representative Robert Brooks (Republican-59th District), Representative Calvin T. Callahan (Republican-35th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (Republican-19th District), Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), and Senator Dora E. Drake (Democrat-4th District), along 33 other co-sponsors.
Travis Tranel has authored or co-authored another 12 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Tranel graduated from Loras College in 2007 with a BA.
Tranel, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2011 to represent the state's 49th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Phil Garthwaite.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB173 | 04/09/2025 | Regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, and application of prescription drug payments to health insurance cost-sharing requirements. (FE) |
| AB120 | 03/11/2025 | Positions for the Office of School Safety. (FE) |
| AB118 | 03/11/2025 | A transition to grazing pilot program and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| AB7 | 02/06/2025 | Requiring local approval for certain wind and solar projects before Public Service Commission approval |
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