All Roll Calls
Yes: 33 • No: 0
HawaiiSB 14942025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2)Senate
RELATING TO HEARING AIDS.
Sponsored By: Joy A. San Buenaventura (Democratic)
Passed
Summary
Requires health insurance policies and contracts issued on or after 1/1/2026 to provide optional coverage for the cost of hearing aids at a minimum $1,500 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every thirty-six months. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Deaf and Blind Task ForceKupuna CaucusHealth Insurance CoverageHearing AidsHLT, CPC, FIN
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Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Joy A. San Buenaventura
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Lynn DeCoite
Democratic • Senate
Lorraine R. Inouye
Democratic • Senate
Angus L.K. McKelvey
Democratic • Senate
Karl Rhoads
Democratic • Senate
III Richards
Democratic • Senate
Glenn Wakai
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/4/2025
Senate Floor Vote
Yes: 25 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/20/2025
The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/3/2025
The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
12/8/2025The committee(s) on HLT recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
3/12/2025HouseBill scheduled to be heard by HLT on Wednesday, 03-12-25 9:00AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
3/7/2025HousePass First Reading
3/6/2025HouseReferred to HLT, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 19
3/6/2025HouseReport adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
3/4/2025SenateReceived from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 353) in amended form (SD 2).
3/4/2025HouseReported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 749) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2).
2/27/2025Senate48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25.
2/27/2025SenateThe committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, McKelvey, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Richards.
2/20/2025SenateThe committee(s) on CPN will hold a public decision making on 02-20-25 9:30AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
2/14/2025SenateReported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 271) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to CPN.
2/11/2025SenateReport adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to CPN.
2/11/2025SenateThe committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Hashimoto, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Keohokalole.
2/3/2025SenateThe committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-25 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference.
1/31/2025SenateReferred to HHS, CPN.
1/27/2025SenateIntroduced and passed First Reading.
1/23/2025SenatePending Introduction.
1/22/2025Senate
Bill Text
Bill Text
Original
SB1494_SD1
SB1494_SD2
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