SB 647 (2026): authorizing the department of insurance to participate in a cooperative procurement group via an intergovernmental agreement for a prescription drug discount program.

SB 647 (2026)

authorizing the department of insurance to participate in a cooperative procurement group via an intergovernmental agreement for a prescription drug discount program.

• Status: Referred for interim study
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Commerce and Consumer Affairs
• Senate committee: Health and Human Services
• Subject: Public and Mental Health

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 11, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it. On March 26, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 26, 2026 and was referred to the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 15, 2026, with 161 people signed in online: 160 in support and 1 in opposition. The committee held a work session on April 22, 2026. The committee met in executive session on April 29, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 15–0, to recommend that the House study it after the session ends, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On May 14, 2026 the House voted to study it after the session ends on a voice vote. The committee held a work session on September 9, 2026. The committee met in executive session on October 14, 2026 to vote on its recommendation.

Sponsors

• Sen. David Rochefort (R - SD1) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Sen. Suzanne Prentiss (D - SD5)
• Sen. Tara Reardon (D - SD15)
• Sen. Cindy Rosenwald (D - SD13)

Hearings and Sessions

• March 11, 2026, 9:15 AM: hearing, Senate Health and Human Services, SH 100
• March 26, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• April 15, 2026, 2:15 PM: public hearing, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• April 22, 2026, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• April 29, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• May 14, 2026: consent calendar, House
• September 9, 2026, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• October 14, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229

Votes

• March 26, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Refer for Interim Study — voice vote, passed

The Docket

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 9
• SC 11
• SJ 7
• HJ 9, page 55
• HC 19, page 10
• HJ 13, page 10