Bill Commons

VA SB 257

enacted

Health insurance; requirements for certain opioid antagonists.

Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · upper

Quick answers

Did VA SB 257 pass?

Yes. VA SB 257 has been enacted into law as of 2026-04-08. Latest recorded action (2026-04-08): Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0424)

What is VA SB 257 about?

Health insurance; requirements for certain opioid antagonists. Requires each health insurer, corporation providing health care subscription plans, and health maintenance organization whose policy, contract, or plan includes coverage for prescription drugs to include coverage for at least one opioid antagonist used for overdose reversal dispensed pursuant to an oral, written, or standing order of a prescriber and ensure that cost-sharing for at least one opioid antagonist used for overdose reversal is included on the lowest cost tier of the insurer's, corporation's, or health maintenance organization's prescription drug formulary. The bill provides that such coverage shall be exempt from any prior authorization or step therapy requirement on coverage of benefits. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Health Care. This bill is identical to HB 795.

Who sponsors VA SB 257?

Barbara A. Favola is the primary sponsor of VA SB 257, joined by 1 cosponsor.

Description

Health insurance; requirements for certain opioid antagonists. Requires each health insurer, corporation providing health care subscription plans, and health maintenance organization whose policy, contract, or plan includes coverage for prescription drugs to include coverage for at least one opioid antagonist used for overdose reversal dispensed pursuant to an oral, written, or standing order of a prescriber and ensure that cost-sharing for at least one opioid antagonist used for overdose reversal is included on the lowest cost tier of the insurer's, corporation's, or health maintenance organization's prescription drug formulary. The bill provides that such coverage shall be exempt from any prior authorization or step therapy requirement on coverage of benefits. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Health Care. This bill is identical to HB 795.

Introduced
2026-01-12
Latest action
2026-04-08 — Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0424)
Bill type
bill
Last updated
—

Sponsors

  • Barbara A. Favolaprimary
  • Kannan Srinivasancosponsor

Committees

Not provided by source.

Action timeline

  1. 2026-01-12

    Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104746D

    filing,introduction

  2. 2026-01-12

    Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor

    referral-committee

  3. 2026-01-23

    Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB257)

  4. 2026-02-02

    Senate committee offered

  5. 2026-02-02

    Reported from Commerce and Labor with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (10-Y 2-N 1-A)

    committee-passage

  6. 2026-02-03

    Committee substitute printed 26106753D-S1

    substitution

  7. 2026-02-04

    Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB257)

  8. 2026-02-11

    Reported from Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)

    committee-passage

  9. 2026-02-12

    Rules suspended

  10. 2026-02-12

    Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

  11. 2026-02-12

    Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

  12. 2026-02-13

    Read second time

    reading-2

  13. 2026-02-13

    Committee substitute agreed to (Voice Vote)

    substitution

  14. 2026-02-13

    Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute (Voice Vote)

    substitution

  15. 2026-02-16

    Read third time and passed Senate (37-Y 1-N 0-A)

    passage,reading-3

  16. 2026-02-19

    Placed on Calendar

  17. 2026-02-19

    Read first time

    reading-1

  18. 2026-02-19

    Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce

    referral-committee

  19. 2026-02-24

    House subcommittee offered

  20. 2026-02-24

    Assigned HCL sub: Subcommittee #1

    referral-committee

  21. 2026-02-24

    Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute and referring to Appropriations (6-Y 0-N)

    substitution

  22. 2026-02-26

    Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute and referred to Appropriations (21-Y 0-N)

    committee-passage

  23. 2026-02-27

    Assigned HAPP sub: Health & Human Resources

    referral-committee

  24. 2026-02-27

    Committee substitute printed 26108572D-H1

    substitution

  25. 2026-03-04

    Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB257)

  26. 2026-03-09

    Reported from Appropriations with substitute (22-Y 0-N)

    committee-passage

  27. 2026-03-09

    Committee substitute printed 26109143D-H2

    substitution

  28. 2026-03-10

    Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB257)

  29. 2026-03-11

    Read second time

    reading-2

  30. 2026-03-12

    Read third time

    reading-3

  31. 2026-03-12

    committee substitute rejected

  32. 2026-03-12

    committee substitute agreed to

    substitution

  33. 2026-03-12

    Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    substitution

  34. 2026-03-12

    Passed House with substitute (96-Y 0-N 0-A)

    passage

  35. 2026-03-12

    House substitute agreed to by Senate (39-Y 1-N 0-A)

    substitution

  36. 2026-03-30

    Enrolled

    enrolled

  37. 2026-03-30

    Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB257ER)

    passage

  38. 2026-03-30

    Signed by President

    passage

  39. 2026-03-31

    Signed by Speaker

    passage

  40. 2026-03-31

    Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    enrolled,executive-receipt

  41. 2026-03-31

    Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    executive-receipt

  42. 2026-04-01

    Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB257)

  43. 2026-04-08

    Approved by Governor-Chapter 424 (effective 7/1/2026)

    executive-signature

  44. 2026-04-08

    Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0424)

Versions

Documents

Votes

  • Reported from Commerce and Labor with substitute

    2026-02-02 · pass · 10-2

    Member-level votes (15)
    • R. Creigh Deeds: yes
    • Mark D. Obenshain: yes
    • L. Louise Lucas: yes
    • David W. Marsden: yes
    • Adam P. Ebbin: yes
    • Scott A. Surovell: yes
    • William M. Stanley, Jr.: no
    • Ryan T. McDougle: yes
    • Mamie E. Locke: not voting
    • Bryce E. Reeves: abstain
    • Bill DeSteph: no
    • Jeremy S. McPike: yes
    • Mark J. Peake: yes
    • Aaron R. Rouse: yes
    • Lamont Bagby: not voting

  • Reported from Finance and Appropriations

    2026-02-11 · pass · 15-0

    Member-level votes (15)
    • L. Louise Lucas: yes
    • R. Creigh Deeds: yes
    • Mamie E. Locke: yes
    • David W. Marsden: yes
    • Adam P. Ebbin: yes
    • Ryan T. McDougle: yes
    • Mark D. Obenshain: yes
    • Richard H. Stuart: yes
    • Bryce E. Reeves: yes
    • Barbara A. Favola: yes
    • Scott A. Surovell: yes
    • Jeremy S. McPike: yes
    • Jennifer B. Boysko: yes
    • Todd E. Pillion: yes
    • Aaron R. Rouse: yes

  • Constitutional reading dispensed R

    2026-02-12 · pass · 40-0

    Member-level votes (40)
    • Lashrecse D. Aird: yes
    • Lamont Bagby: yes
    • Jennifer B. Boysko: yes
    • Jennifer D. Carroll Foy: yes
    • Luther Cifers, III: yes
    • Christie New Craig: yes
    • R. Creigh Deeds: yes
    • Bill DeSteph: yes
    • J.D. "Danny" Diggs: yes
    • Tara A. Durant: yes
    • Adam P. Ebbin: yes
    • Barbara A. Favola: yes
    • Timmy French: yes
    • T. Travis Hackworth: yes
    • Christopher T. Head: yes
    • Michael J. Jones: yes
    • Emily M. Jordan: yes
    • Mamie E. Locke: yes
    • L. Louise Lucas: yes
    • David W. Marsden: yes
    • Ryan T. McDougle: yes
    • Jeremy S. McPike: yes
    • Tammy Brankley Mulchi: yes
    • Mark D. Obenshain: yes
    • Mark J. Peake: yes
    • Stella G. Pekarsky: yes
    • Russet Perry: yes
    • Todd E. Pillion: yes
    • Bryce E. Reeves: yes
    • Danica A. Roem: yes
    • Aaron R. Rouse: yes
    • Saddam Azlan Salim: yes
    • Kannan Srinivasan: yes
    • William M. Stanley, Jr.: yes
    • Richard H. Stuart: yes
    • Glen H. Sturtevant, Jr.: yes
    • David R. Suetterlein: yes
    • Scott A. Surovell: yes
    • Schuyler T. VanValkenburg: yes
    • Angelia Williams Graves: yes

  • Passage R

    2026-02-16 · pass · 37-1

    Member-level votes (40)
    • Lashrecse D. Aird: yes
    • Lamont Bagby: yes
    • Jennifer B. Boysko: not voting
    • Jennifer D. Carroll Foy: yes
    • Luther Cifers, III: yes
    • Christie New Craig: yes
    • R. Creigh Deeds: yes
    • Bill DeSteph: no
    • J.D. "Danny" Diggs: yes
    • Tara A. Durant: yes
    • Adam P. Ebbin: yes
    • Barbara A. Favola: yes
    • Timmy French: yes
    • T. Travis Hackworth: yes
    • Christopher T. Head: yes
    • Michael J. Jones: yes
    • Emily M. Jordan: yes
    • Mamie E. Locke: yes
    • L. Louise Lucas: yes
    • David W. Marsden: yes
    • Ryan T. McDougle: yes
    • Jeremy S. McPike: yes
    • Tammy Brankley Mulchi: yes
    • Mark D. Obenshain: yes
    • Mark J. Peake: yes
    • Stella G. Pekarsky: yes
    • Russet Perry: yes
    • Todd E. Pillion: yes
    • Bryce E. Reeves: yes
    • Danica A. Roem: yes
    • Aaron R. Rouse: yes
    • Saddam Azlan Salim: yes
    • Kannan Srinivasan: yes
    • William M. Stanley, Jr.: yes
    • Richard H. Stuart: yes
    • Glen H. Sturtevant, Jr.: yes
    • David R. Suetterlein: not voting
    • Scott A. Surovell: yes
    • Schuyler T. VanValkenburg: yes
    • Angelia Williams Graves: yes

  • Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

    2026-02-24 · pass · 6-0

    Member-level votes (10)
    • Michelle Lopes Maldonado: not voting
    • Richard C. "Rip" Sullivan, Jr.: yes
    • Irene Shin: yes
    • Laura Jane Cohen: not voting
    • Rae Cousins: not voting
    • JJ Singh: yes
    • Terry G. Kilgore: not voting
    • Israel D. O'Quinn: yes
    • Jason S. Ballard: yes
    • Jeion A. Ward: yes

  • Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute

    2026-02-26 · pass · 21-0

    Member-level votes (22)
    • Jeion A. Ward: yes
    • Richard C. "Rip" Sullivan, Jr.: yes
    • Alfonso H. Lopez: yes
    • Kelly K. Convirs-Fowler: yes
    • Dan I. Helmer: yes
    • Michelle Lopes Maldonado: yes
    • Irene Shin: yes
    • Destiny LeVere Bolling: yes
    • Michael B. Feggans: yes
    • Nadarius E. Clark: yes
    • Rae Cousins: yes
    • Bonita G. Anthony: yes
    • Laura Jane Cohen: yes
    • JJ Singh: yes
    • May Nivar: yes
    • Terry G. Kilgore: yes
    • Israel D. O'Quinn: yes
    • Michael J. Webert: yes
    • Tony O. Wilt: yes
    • Chris S. Runion: yes
    • Jason S. Ballard: yes
    • Wren M. Williams: not voting

  • Reported from Appropriations with substitute

    2026-03-09 · pass · 22-0

    Member-level votes (22)
    • Luke E. Torian: yes
    • Betsy B. Carr: yes
    • Delores L. McQuinn: yes
    • Paul E. Krizek: yes
    • C.E. Cliff Hayes, Jr.: yes
    • David A. Reid: yes
    • Rodney T. Willett: yes
    • Briana D. Sewell: yes
    • Alex Q. Askew: yes
    • Charniele L. Herring: yes
    • Marcia S. "Cia" Price: yes
    • Kathy K.L. Tran: yes
    • Shelly A. Simonds: yes
    • Joshua E. Thomas: yes
    • Amy J. Laufer: yes
    • Terry L. Austin: yes
    • James W. Morefield: yes
    • Robert S. Bloxom, Jr.: yes
    • M. Keith Hodges: yes
    • Scott A. Wyatt: yes
    • Bill Wiley: yes
    • Ellen H. McLaughlin: yes

  • Concur House Substitute R

    2026-03-12 · pass · 39-1

    Member-level votes (40)
    • Lashrecse D. Aird: yes
    • Lamont Bagby: yes
    • Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker: yes
    • Jennifer B. Boysko: yes
    • Jennifer D. Carroll Foy: yes
    • Luther Cifers, III: yes
    • Christie New Craig: yes
    • R. Creigh Deeds: yes
    • Bill DeSteph: no
    • J.D. "Danny" Diggs: yes
    • Tara A. Durant: yes
    • Barbara A. Favola: yes
    • Timmy French: yes
    • T. Travis Hackworth: yes
    • Christopher T. Head: yes
    • Michael J. Jones: yes
    • Emily M. Jordan: yes
    • Mamie E. Locke: yes
    • L. Louise Lucas: yes
    • David W. Marsden: yes
    • Ryan T. McDougle: yes
    • Jeremy S. McPike: yes
    • Tammy Brankley Mulchi: yes
    • Mark D. Obenshain: yes
    • Mark J. Peake: yes
    • Stella G. Pekarsky: yes
    • Russet Perry: yes
    • Todd E. Pillion: yes
    • Bryce E. Reeves: yes
    • Danica A. Roem: yes
    • Aaron R. Rouse: yes
    • Saddam Azlan Salim: yes
    • Kannan Srinivasan: yes
    • William M. Stanley, Jr.: yes
    • Richard H. Stuart: yes
    • Glen H. Sturtevant, Jr.: yes
    • David R. Suetterlein: yes
    • Scott A. Surovell: yes
    • Schuyler T. VanValkenburg: yes
    • Angelia Williams Graves: yes

  • H VOTE:

    2026-03-12 · pass · 96-0

    Member-level votes (99)
    • Jessica L. Anderson: yes
    • Bonita G. Anthony: yes
    • Alex Q. Askew: yes
    • Terry L. Austin: yes
    • Jason S. Ballard: yes
    • Robert S. Bloxom, Jr.: yes
    • Gretchen M. Bulova: yes
    • Katrina Callsen: yes
    • Karen R. "Kacey" Carnegie: yes
    • Betsy B. Carr: yes
    • Stacey Annie Carroll: yes
    • Mike A. Cherry: yes
    • Nadarius E. Clark: not voting
    • Laura Jane Cohen: yes
    • Joshua G. Cole: yes
    • Nicole Cole: yes
    • Kelly K. Convirs-Fowler: yes
    • Mitchell Cornett: yes
    • Rae Cousins: yes
    • Will Davis: yes
    • Karrie K. Delaney: yes
    • Lindsey Dougherty: yes
    • Mark C. Downey: yes
    • Michael B. Feggans: yes
    • Hyland F. "Buddy" Fowler, Jr.: yes
    • Lily V. Franklin: yes
    • Margaret A. Franklin: yes
    • Debra D. Gardner: yes
    • Thomas A. Garrett, Jr.: yes
    • Jackie H. Glass: yes
    • Timothy P. Griffin: yes
    • Elizabeth R. Guzman: yes
    • Karen Hamilton: yes
    • C.E. Cliff Hayes, Jr.: yes
    • Dan I. Helmer: yes
    • Rozia A. Henson, Jr.: yes
    • Phil M. Hernandez: yes
    • Charniele L. Herring: yes
    • M. Keith Hodges: yes
    • Patrick A. Hope: yes
    • Hillary Pugh Kent: yes
    • Karen Keys-Gamarra: yes
    • Terry G. Kilgore: yes
    • Paul E. Krizek: yes
    • Amy J. Laufer: yes
    • James A. "Jay" Leftwich: yes
    • Destiny LeVere Bolling: yes
    • Alfonso H. Lopez: yes
    • Michelle Lopes Maldonado: yes
    • Marty Martinez: yes
    • John Chilton McAuliff: yes
    • Adele Y. McClure: yes
    • Garrett McGuire: yes
    • Ellen H. McLaughlin: yes
    • Joseph P. McNamara: not voting
    • Kirk McPike: yes
    • Delores L. McQuinn: yes
    • Leslie Chambers Mehta: yes
    • James W. Morefield: yes
    • May Nivar: yes
    • Delores Oates: yes
    • Israel D. O'Quinn: yes
    • Justin Pence: yes
    • Eric Phillips: yes
    • Kimberly Pope Adams: yes
    • Marcia S. "Cia" Price: yes
    • Sam Rasoul: yes
    • Atoosa R. Reaser: yes
    • David A. Reid: yes
    • Chris S. Runion: yes
    • Charlie Schmidt: yes
    • Don Scott: yes
    • Phillip A. Scott: yes
    • Holly M. Seibold: yes
    • Briana D. Sewell: yes
    • Irene Shin: yes
    • Marcus B. Simon: yes
    • Shelly A. Simonds: yes
    • JJ Singh: yes
    • Richard C. "Rip" Sullivan, Jr.: yes
    • Anne Ferrell Tata: yes
    • Joshua E. Thomas: yes
    • Virgil Thornton: yes
    • Luke E. Torian: yes
    • Kathy K.L. Tran: yes
    • H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr.: yes
    • Wendell S. Walker: yes
    • Jeion A. Ward: yes
    • R. Lee Ware: yes
    • Vivian E. Watts: not voting
    • Michael J. Webert: yes
    • Madison Whittle: yes
    • Bill Wiley: yes
    • Rodney T. Willett: yes
    • Wren M. Williams: yes
    • Tony O. Wilt: yes
    • Thomas C. Wright, Jr.: yes
    • Scott A. Wyatt: yes
    • Eric R. Zehr: yes

Related bills

No related bills recorded for this bill.

Official source

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB257

Attribution

Data from openstates_bulk_csv, retrieved 2026-07-24T05:35:59.552682Z

Inspect retained evidence for changes recorded after evidence tracking began:

Source and document changesStatus and relationship changes

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