BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION ESSB 5916

SB 5916: Nonopioid drugs for pain

Concerning nonopioid drugs for the treatment of pain.

Summary

Requires that health plans, including plans offered to public employees, and Medicaid cover at least one nonopioid legend drug to treat or manage pain without utilization management, including prior authorization or step therapy.
Directs the Department of Health to publish an educational pamphlet regarding the use of nonopioid alternatives for the treatment of pain.

From the Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill Report (ESSB 5916), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House

AN ACT Relating to nonopioid drugs for the treatment of pain;

Passed February 11, 2026

Version voted on: ESSB 5916

49 Yea 0 Nay 0 Absent 0 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	30	0	0	0
Republican	19	0	0	0

How each member voted

Mar 12, 2026By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (ESSB 5916)
Feb 14, 2026First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. (ESSB 5916)
Feb 11, 2026Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. (ESSB 5916)
Feb 11, 2026Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESSB 5916)
Feb 11, 2026Floor amendment(s) adopted. (ESSB 5916)
Feb 11, 20261st substitute bill substituted. (ESSB 5916)
Feb 11, 20261st substitute bill substituted.
Feb 4, 2026Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (ESSB 5916)
Feb 4, 2026Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Jan 28, 2026Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (ESSB 5916)
Jan 28, 2026Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Jan 27, 2026HLTC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (ESSB 5916)
Jan 27, 2026HLTC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Jan 12, 2026First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.
Dec 17, 2025Prefiled for introduction.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

SB 5916 (2023–24) Indigent defense task force · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5916 (2021–22) Ransomware protection · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5916 (2019–20) Use of force data · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5916 (2017–18) Semiconductor tax prefs · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
SB 5916 (2015–16) Tourism marketing · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
SB 5916 (2013–14) Public retirement plans · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
SB 5916 (2011–12) Liquor-related products · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5916 (2009–10) Broadband deployment · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House