Charlottesville Delegate's Pharmacy Bill Passes in Spanberger Affordability Package

Legislation aims to increase transparency and lower costs in the healthcare system.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A bill sponsored by Charlottesville Delegate Katrina Callsen that expands the 'Save Local Pharmacies Act' has passed as part of Governor Abigail Spanberger's 16-bill package focused on lowering costs across Virginia. Callsen says the legislation demonstrates the Democratic party's commitment to improving affordability in the Commonwealth, as healthcare costs are a major burden on her constituents.

Why it matters

The passage of Callsen's pharmacy bill is part of a broader Democratic push to address cost-of-living concerns facing Virginia residents, particularly around healthcare and housing affordability. As prices continue to rise, the party is positioning these bills as a way to provide relief to constituents.

The details

Callsen's bill expands on legislation she passed last year called the 'Save Local Pharmacies Act'. The new bill aims to increase transparency in the healthcare system and lower pharmacy costs for Virginians. Callsen says the bills are part of over 200 affordability-focused measures introduced by Democrats in the state.

  • The bill was sponsored by Delegate Katrina Callsen.
  • The legislation passed as part of Governor Abigail Spanberger's 16-bill affordability package in February 2026.

The players

Katrina Callsen

A Democratic Delegate representing Virginia's 54th District who sponsored the pharmacy bill as part of broader affordability efforts.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic Governor of Virginia who introduced the 16-bill affordability package that included Callsen's pharmacy legislation.

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What they’re saying

“We know that prices were rising when we had a Republican governor. We know that prices are rising under Trump. We know that there's inflation. So they can say what they want to say. The bills speak for themselves.”

— Katrina Callsen, Delegate (29news.com)

What’s next

The legislation will now head to the state Senate for consideration as part of the broader affordability package.

The takeaway

This pharmacy bill is part of a larger Democratic strategy in Virginia to tackle cost-of-living issues like healthcare and housing affordability, positioning the party as champions of working families amid rising prices and inflation.