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IllinoisHB3345104th General Assembly (2025–2026)HouseWALLET

HEARING INSTRUMENT EXTENSION

Sponsored By: Theresa Mah (Democratic)

Became Law

health care licensesassignmentslicensed activities

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Hearing instrument law set to end

The law repeals the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act on January 1, 2026. Another section also lists the Act for repeal on January 1, 2028. Until repeal, current licensing and consumer protection rules under that Act stay in place. After repeal, regulated providers face fewer state rules, and buyers of hearing instruments may lose some legal protections.

Trainee rules for hearing aid work

Illinois creates a trainee path for hearing aid work. To get a trainee license, you must apply and show you finished the required courses or an approved equivalent. A trainee license lasts 12 months and can be renewed once for 6 more months; after that, it cannot be renewed. Trainees must work under the direct supervision of a licensed dispenser or audiologist, and the supervisor is responsible for the trainee’s work. The Department can limit how many trainees one supervisor oversees. Trainees may have more than one supervisor but must file a verification form for each, and the Department can set a trainee license fee by rule.

New rules for hearing aid dispensers

Illinois sets clearer licensing rules for hearing aid dispensers. You must be at least 18, have good moral character, be free of contagious disease, and be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present. You need at least an associate degree plus 12 semester hours in key hearing courses, or an approved equivalent. If you had a valid license before January 1, 2003, you can renew without those course hours. The Department authorizes the exam (it may use the International Hearing Society exam) and issues a 2‑year license if you pass. You must get your license within 12 months after passing or retest, and you can take the written exam no more than four times in any 12‑month period. To renew, you must complete continuing education, but waivers are available for Armed Forces or Coast Guard service, extreme hardship, or if you just got licensed by exam or endorsement in the last renewal period.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Theresa Mah

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Camille Y. Lilly

    Democratic • House

  • Hoan Huynh

    Democratic • House

  • Jawaharial Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Laura Fine

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sara Feigenholtz

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 192 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/1/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 57 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/1/2025

Do Pass Licensed Activities;

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 114 • No: 0

House vote • 3/19/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Health Care Licenses Committee;

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0296

    8/15/2025House

  2. Effective Date June 1, 2026; some provisions

    8/15/2025House

  3. Effective Date August 15, 2025; some provisions

    8/15/2025House

  4. Governor Approved

    8/15/2025House

  5. Sent to the Governor

    6/24/2025House

  6. Passed Both Houses

    6/1/2025House

  7. Third Reading - Passed; 057-000-000

    6/1/2025Senate

  8. 3/5 Vote Required

    6/1/2025Senate

  9. Added as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz

    5/31/2025Senate

  10. Rule 2-10 Third Reading/Passage Deadline Established As June 1, 2025

    5/23/2025Senate

  11. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 8, 2025

    5/7/2025Senate

  12. Second Reading

    5/7/2025Senate

  13. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 6, 2025

    5/1/2025Senate

  14. Do Pass Licensed Activities; 007-000-000

    5/1/2025Senate

  15. Assigned to Licensed Activities

    4/23/2025Senate

  16. Referred to Assignments

    4/9/2025Senate

  17. First Reading

    4/9/2025Senate

  18. Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Laura Fine

    4/9/2025Senate

  19. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading

    4/9/2025Senate

  20. Arrive in Senate

    4/9/2025Senate

  21. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Hoan Huynh

    4/8/2025House

  22. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Jawaharial Williams

    4/8/2025House

  23. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Camille Y. Lilly

    4/8/2025House

  24. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 114-000-000

    4/8/2025House

  25. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    3/25/2025House

Bill Text

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