washington maryland lawmakers pass first-in-the-nation measure let state attorney general sue generic drug makers sharply raise price move aim fight legislators call price-gouging bill overwhelmingly approve democratic-controlled legislature monday hail maryland attorney general brian frosh way check sharply high price crucial generic drug maryland measure come concern rise u.s. drug cost build years example 2015 decision turing pharmaceuticals increase cost life-saving anti-infection drug 5,000 percent spark widespread outrage legislation take aim generic drug market make 88 percent u.s. pharmaceutical sales total 75 billion 2015 accord frosh office market seem bear manufacturers charge much possibly frosh say telephone interview tuesday governor larry hogan republican say whether would sign legislation representatives respond request comment bill allow maryland state authority medicaid federal healthcare program poor let attorney general office know see patients charge unconscionable increase essential generic drug attorney general could seek explanation manufacturer sue protect consumers fine 10,000 violation judge could order company reverse price increase generics pharmaceuticals equivalent brand-name drug usually available patent protections original maker run bill touch brand prescription drug new market since manufacturers development patent cost entitle recoup frosh say maryland first state pass measure combat excessive price increase accord national conference state legislatures massachusetts new york rhode island tennessee similar legislation pending conference say legislation would chill effect generic market maryland say chester davis jr. president association accessible medicine represent generic drug makers use generic drug save maryland 3.7 billion 2015 say focus side ecosystem actually drive save cost definitely seem counterintuitive us say maryland lawmakers approve bill fight drug price-gouging