A bill that would hold drug manufacturers and distributors accountable for skyrocketing prices on essential prescription drugs is making its way through the Minnesota legislature. Democratic Representative John Lesch of St. Paul says manufacturers who drastically increase the price of drugs are “preying on the needs of vulnerable citizens”

Under the bill, drug makers would be required to notify the state attorney general’s office of certain price increases. The attorney general would be able to impose civil penalties on companies that price gouge. Current A-G Keith Ellison supports the bill.