2025 Regular Session • Hawaii Legislature
SB1494: Relating To Hearing Aids.
Legislative 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)
Demographic Impact
Overall analysis of equity impact
90% Positive
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Bill History
1/22/2025
Pending Introduction.
Senate
1/23/2025
Introduced and passed First Reading.
Senate
1/27/2025
Referred to HHS, CPN.
Senate
1/31/2025
The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-25 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference.
Senate
2/3/2025
The 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.
Senate
2/11/2025
Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 271) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to CPN.
Senate
2/11/2025
Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to CPN.
Senate
2/14/2025
The committee(s) on CPN will hold a public decision making on 02-20-25 9:30AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
Senate
2/20/2025
The 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.
Senate
2/27/2025
Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 749) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2).
Senate
2/27/2025
48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25.
Senate
3/4/2025
Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
Senate
3/4/2025
Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 353) in amended form (SD 2).
House of Representatives
3/6/2025
Pass First Reading
House of Representatives
3/6/2025
Referred to HLT, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 19
House of Representatives
3/7/2025
Bill scheduled to be heard by HLT on Wednesday, 03-12-25 9:00AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
House of Representatives
3/12/2025
The committee(s) on HLT recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
House of Representatives
Roll Call Votes
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection: Passed, With Amendments
2/20/2025
4
Yea
0
Nay
0
Not Voting
1
Absent
Result: PASSED
Senate Health and Human Services: Passed, With Amendments
2/3/2025
4
Yea
0
Nay
0
Not Voting
1
Absent
Result: PASSED
Status Information
Current Status
Engrossed(3/4/2025)
Chamber
House of Representatives
Committee
Health(House of Representatives)
Sponsors
Democrat: 7
Primary Sponsor
Joy San Buenaventura
Democrat