All Roll Calls
Yes: 193 • No: 0
HawaiiHB 5442025–2026 Regular Session (Year 1)HouseWALLET
RELATING TO PET INSURANCE.
Sponsored By: Andrew Takuya Garrett (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Beginning 1/1/2026, establishes a regulatory framework specifically for pet insurance based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Pet Insurance Model Act. (CD1)
Pet InsuranceRegulationEstablishmentCPN, JDC
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Clearer pet insurance terms and refunds
Starting January 1, 2026, Hawaii’s rules cover pet insurance policies issued to Hawaii residents when sold, offered, or discussed in the state, and policies delivered or issued for delivery there. Insurers must explain exclusions, waiting periods, deductibles, coinsurance, limits, claim payments, and whether claims, age, or location can affect coverage or premiums. They must also disclose required exams, the underwriting company, reimbursement limits, and contact information; producers must hold property and casualty authority and complete training before selling pet insurance. You can return a policy, certificate, or rider within 30 days of receiving it for a refund if you have not filed a claim; the insurer must refund you within 30 days after receiving it.
Separate rules for pet wellness plans
Starting January 1, 2026, insurers and producers cannot market a separate wellness program as pet insurance or require you to buy one to get insurance. Program costs and terms must be clearly separate, coverage cannot duplicate the insurance policy, and ads must not mislead; required disclosures must use bold 12-point type. Wellness benefits included in an insurance policy become part of the contract and follow insurance rules. A wellness program that pays a set amount when specified events happen, or protects another party from loss, is treated as insurance, with an exception for some direct contracts between a provider and pet owner.
Pet insurance rules protect existing coverage
Starting January 1, 2026, insurers must use and share the law’s definitions for terms they use in pet policies. Insurers may exclude preexisting conditions, but must prove an exclusion applies; a condition covered by a policy cannot be treated as preexisting at renewal. Waiting periods for illnesses and orthopedic conditions not caused by accidents cannot exceed 30 days; accident and renewal waiting periods are prohibited. A waiting period must be disclosed before purchase and can be waived through an exam under the contract’s terms, but you pay for that exam unless the policy says otherwise. Insurers cannot require a medical exam to renew coverage.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Andrew Takuya Garrett
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Kirstin Kahaloa
Democratic • House
Darius K. Kila
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/30/2025
House Floor Vote
Yes: 49 • No: 0
House vote • 4/23/2025
The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments....
Yes: 3 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/23/2025
The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS....
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/3/2025
Senate Floor Vote
Yes: 25 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/27/2025
The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The...
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/14/2025
The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...
Yes: 3 • No: 0
House vote • 3/4/2025
House Floor Vote
Yes: 49 • No: 0
House vote • 2/27/2025
House Floor Vote
Yes: 47 • No: 0
House vote • 2/19/2025
The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The ...
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Act 079, 05/19/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1179).
5/19/2025SenateAct 079, on 05/19/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1179).
5/19/2025HouseReceived notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821).
5/2/2025SenateReceived notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888).
5/1/2025HouseTransmitted to Governor.
5/1/2025HousePassed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none.
4/30/2025SenatePassed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick excused (2).
4/30/2025HouseReported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 44) as amended in (CD 1).
4/24/2025HouseForty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25.
4/24/2025HouseReported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 44).
4/24/2025Senate48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25
4/24/2025SenateThe Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 3 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Chun, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none.
4/23/2025HouseThe Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Rhoads, Fukunaga, Richards; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa.
4/23/2025SenateConference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday 04-23-25 3:30PM in conference room 224.
4/22/2025HouseConference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Tuesday 04-22-25 1:30PM in conference room 224.
4/21/2025HouseBill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Monday, 04-21-25 1:30PM in conference room 224.
4/17/2025HouseReceived notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732).
4/15/2025SenateSenate Conferees Appointed: Keohokalole Chair; Rhoads Co-Chair; Fukunaga, Richards, Awa.
4/15/2025SenateReceived notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 788).
4/15/2025HouseHouse Conferees Appointed: Matayoshi Chair; Chun, Pierick.
4/14/2025HouseReceived notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 559).
4/8/2025SenateHouse disagrees with Senate amendment (s).
4/4/2025HouseReport Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
4/3/2025SenateReturned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 545) in amended form (SD 1).
4/3/2025HouseReported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1510) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading.
4/2/2025Senate
Bill Text
Bill Text
HB544_CD1
HB544_HD1
HB544_SD1
Original
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