RELATING TO MEDICAL DEBT.
Sponsored By: III Richards (Democratic)
In Committee
Summary
Prohibits a health care provider or medical creditor from filing a civil lawsuit to collect medical debt from a patient whose household income is less than or equal to five hundred percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Prohibits a health care provider or medical creditor from engaging in certain debt collection practices. Prohibits a health care provider or medical creditor from selling medical debt. Prohibits a health care provider whose income exceeds a certain threshold from denying non-emergency medically necessary care to patients.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
III Richards
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Stanley Chang
Democratic • Senate
Kurt Fevella
Republican • Senate
Jr. Ihara
Democratic • Senate
Lorraine R. Inouye
Democratic • Senate
Rachele Lamosao
Democratic • Senate
Angus L.K. McKelvey
Democratic • Senate
Karl Rhoads
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Referred to HHS/CPN, JDC.
1/26/2026SenateIntroduced and passed First Reading.
1/21/2026SenatePending Introduction.
1/14/2026Senate
Bill Text
Original
Related Bills
HB 2437 — RELATING TO ARTS EDUCATION.
Appropriates funds to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts for the Artists in the Schools Program. Effective 1/1/3000. (SD1)
HB 2438 — RELATING TO THE HAWAII CULTURAL TRUST.
Establishes the Hawaii Cultural Trust within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Establishes an income tax credit for contributions made to both the Hawaii Cultural Trust and at least one qualified Hawaii cultural organization, under certain conditions. Establishes a special number plate for motor vehicles to support the Hawaii Cultural Trust. Applies the income tax credit to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 7/1/3050. (SD1)
HB 2436 — RELATING TO ARTS INTEGRATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Establishes within the Department of Education arts integration coordinator or specialist positions to support fine arts education and arts integration in public schools statewide. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
HB 2417 — RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE LICENSE REVOCATION.
Clarifies administrative driver's license revocation procedures by specifying the effect of the notice of administrative revocation and conforming related administrative review and hearing provisions. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
HB 2418 — RELATING TO EDUCATION.
Requires that the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board submit three nominees for its Executive Director to the Board of Education. Requires the Board of Education to appoint an Executive Director from the nominees on the list, subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
HB 2416 — RELATING TO A MARITIME YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY PROGRAM.
Directs the University of Hawaii Community College System, in partnership with state agencies and maritime employers, to conduct a study and develop a plan for a statewide Maritime Youth Apprenticeship Pathway Program for individuals ages 16 to 24. Requires a report to the Legislature with recommendations on program structure, resource needs, proposed legislation and implementation options. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)