Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 1494: RELATING TO HEARING AIDS.
Passed one chamber Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 1494 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 22, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO HEARING AIDS. Primary sponsor: Joy San Buenaventura (Democratic), Karl Rhoads (Democratic), Tim Richards (Democratic), Lynn DeCoite (Democratic), Lorraine Inouye (Democratic), Angus McKelvey (Democratic). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (December 8, 2025): Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
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)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joy San Buenaventura | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Karl Rhoads | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 13 |
| Tim Richards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
| Lynn DeCoite | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 7 |
| Lorraine Inouye | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 1 |
| Angus McKelvey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 6 |
| Glenn Wakai | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 15 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- The committee(s) on HLT recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
- Bill scheduled to be heard by HLT on Wednesday, 03-12-25 9:00AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
- Pass First Reading
- Referred to HLT, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 19
- 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.
- Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 353) in amended form (SD 2).
- Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 749) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2).
- 48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25.
- 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.
- The committee(s) on CPN will hold a public decision making on 02-20-25 9:30AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
- Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 271) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to CPN.
Showing 12 most recent of 18 actions. Full history