Rhode Island H8582: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHARMACY FREEDOM OF CHOICE--FAIR COMPETITION AND PRACTICES (Imposes certain duties, transparency, and accountability from pharmacy benefits managers and pharmacy benefits management services.)

What the bill says

From the introduced text, May 26, 2026:

2026 -- H 8582 ======== LC006502 ======== STATEOFRHODEISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ ANACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHARMACY FREEDOM OF CHOICE--FAIR COMPETITION AND PRACTICES Introduced By: Representatives Caldwell, and Solomon Date Introduced: May 26, 2026 Referred To: House Health & Human Services It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: SECTION 1. Sections 27-29.1-1, 27-29.1-2, 27-29.1-7, 27-29.1-10 and 27-29.1-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-29.1 entitled "Pharmacy Freedom of Choice -- Fair Competition and Practices" are hereby amended to read as follows: 27-29.1-1. Definitions. For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall mean: (1) "Director" shall mean the director of the department of business regulation. (2) "Eligible bidder" shall mean a retail pharmacy, community pharmacy, or pharmacy department registered pursuant to chapter 19.1 of title 5, irrespective of corporate structure or number of locations at which it conducts business, located within the geographical service area of a carrier and willing to bid for participation in a restricted pharmacy network contract. (3)(2) "Insured" or "covered individual" shall mean any person who is entitled to have pharmacy services paid by an insurer pursuant to a policy, certificate, contract, or agreement of insurance or coverage. (4)(3) "Insurer" shall mean an insurance carrier as defined in chapters 18, 19, 20, and of this title. (5)(4) "Nonrestricted pharmacy …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Justine Caldwell (D, HD-030) · primary sponsor
• Joseph Solomon (D)

Latest actions

1. June 22, 2026: Signed by Governor
2. June 18, 2026: Transmitted to Governor
3. June 11, 2026: Senate passed Sub A in concurrence
4. June 10, 2026: Placed on Senate Calendar
5. June 10, 2026: House passed Sub A
6. June 9, 2026: Placed on House Calendar
7. June 4, 2026: Committee recommends passage of Sub A
8. June 2, 2026: Proposed Substitute
9. June 2, 2026: Scheduled for consideration
10. May 28, 2026: Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Votes

• Senate Seq #670: (June 11, 2026): 38 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Seq #496: PASSAGE (June 10, 2026): 70 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Committee on Health & Human Services: Passage of Sub A (June 4, 2026): 13 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H8582?

H8582 is a bill in the Rhode Island Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHARMACY FREEDOM OF CHOICE--FAIR COMPETITION AND PRACTICES (Imposes certain duties, transparency, and accountability from pharmacy benefits managers and pharmacy benefits management services.).

What is the status of H8582?

Signed into law as of June 22, 2026. Latest action: Signed by Governor (June 22, 2026).

Who sponsored H8582?

Justine Caldwell (D, HD-030), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for H8582?

On the Rhode Island Legislature website: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H8582A.pdf