Colorado and Virginia lawmakers block attempts to limit drug affordability boards

Legislators in Colorado and Virginia are pushing back against proposals to curb the authority of state prescription‑drug affordability boards.

In Virginia, the General Assembly voted unanimously to reject Governor Abigail Spanberger's request to delay a key provision of two bills that would create a board with price‑cap powers tied to Medicare rates. The governor must now decide whether to sign or veto the legislation as originally written.

In Colorado, the House Health and Human Services Committee postponed consideration of a bill that would have exempted orphan drugs from any pricing caps the state board might impose. By delaying the vote until the end of the session, the measure is effectively dead for this year.

These actions highlight the ongoing debate over how much power state panels should have to control drug prices and the balance between affordability and industry concerns.