Bill
SB 583
SB 583 aimed to empower pharmacies in Arkansas by allowing them to sue for violations of pricing laws, enhancing protections against unfair practices, but was vetoed.
# Summary of Senate Bill 583 (SB 583)
## Bill Overview
**Title:** Relating to Naming Rights
**Bill Number:** SB 583
**Status:** Vetoed on July 3, 2025 (Returned from the Governor without approval)
**Introduced:** March 31, 2025
**Classification:** Bill
**Subject Areas:** Advertising, Concessions, Convention Center, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Marketing, Naming Rights, Stadium, Stadium Authority, Stadium Development Special Fund
## Purpose and Intent
Senate Bill 583 aimed to amend existing laws concerning maximum allowable cost lists related to pharmacy services. The bill sought to clarify the rights of pharmacies, pharmacists, and businesses providing pharmacy services to pursue legal action for violations of these laws. The intent was to enhance protections for these entities against unfair practices in the pharmacy sector.
## Key Provisions
1. **Private Right of Action**: The bill proposed that pharmacies, pharmacists, or businesses providing pharmacy services could pursue a private right of action for violations of the maximum allowable cost lists.
2. **Remedies Available**: The bill outlined potential remedies for violations, including:
- Compensatory damages
- Actual financial losses
- Punitive damages
3. **Statutory Damages**: A provision was included allowing for statutory damages of $10,000 per violation under the Trade Practices Act.
4. **Exemption for Government Entities**: The bill specified that the private right of action would not allow lawsuits against any government, governmental agency, or governmental official.
## Impact
- **Affected Parties**: The bill primarily affected pharmacies, pharmacists, and businesses involved in providing pharmacy services in Arkansas. It aimed to empower these entities to seek legal recourse against unfair pricing practices.
- **Legal Landscape**: By enabling a private right of action, the bill intended to create a more equitable environment for pharmacies, potentially leading to increased compliance with pricing regulations.
## Legislative Timeline
- **March 31, 2025**: Bill introduced and passed first reading.
- **April 3, 2025**: Amendment #1 adopted, and the bill was reported correctly engrossed.
- **April 15, 2025**: Passed third reading in the Senate and transmitted to the House.
- **April 30, 2025**: Passed final reading in the House.
- **May 2, 2025**: Enrolled and delivered to the Governor.
- **June 6, 2025**: Notice of intent to veto issued by the Governor.
- **July 3, 2025**: Bill vetoed by the Governor (Gov. Msg. No. 1405).
## Conclusion
Senate Bill 583 represented an effort to strengthen the legal rights of pharmacies and related businesses in Arkansas by allowing them to take legal action against violations of pricing laws. However, the bill was ultimately vetoed, preventing its provisions from becoming law.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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