An Act to Amend Laws Governing Hearing Aid Dealers to Allow an Exception to Certain Hearing Examination Requirements
Sponsored By: Richard A. Bennett (Independent)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Tighter hearing-aid exams for kids and flagged conditions
The law tightens exams before a sale or fitting. For anyone 18 or younger, a dealer must have a written note signed by a physician with specialized ear, nose, and throat training. The note must say the child had an ear or hearing exam in the last 90 days and that a hearing aid is recommended. If the dealer sees or is told you have certain board‑listed medical conditions, they must stop and send you for an exam. Fitting can restart only after a physician with that training or an audiologist examines you and recommends a hearing aid in writing.
Skip exams for replacements or religious objections
Dealers can replace a hearing aid without proof of a recent exam when strict rules are met. You must already use a hearing aid, need the same-spec replacement for one that was recently lost, stolen, broken, or failing, and be too ill or infirm to attend an exam safely. This applies at any age and only if federal law does not forbid it. Also, if you object to an exam for religious reasons, this chapter does not require you to get one.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Richard A. Bennett
Independent • Senate
Cosponsors
Anne Graham
Democratic • House
David Haggan
Republican • Senate
Donna Bailey
Democratic • Senate
Joseph M. Baldacci
Democratic • Senate
Marianne Moore
Republican • Senate
Matthea E. L. Daughtry
Democratic • Senate
Rachel Henderson
Republican • House
Samuel Zager
Democratic • House
Scott Cyrway
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 166
5/30/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/27/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/27/2025HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-86).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/22/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-86) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-86).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
5/20/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/1/2025HouseCommittee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
4/1/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-86), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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