Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 2491: RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 2491 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 22, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO HEALTH CARE. Primary sponsor: Jarrett Keohokalole (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic), Kurt Fevella (Republican). It lists 2 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (February 20, 2026): Reported from HHS/CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2558) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC/WAM.
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.
Establishes a broad definition of "qualified health care provider" in numerous areas of existing law. Clarifies and standardizes references to specific health care providers. Updates outdated language to reflect correct terminology. Makes numerous clarifying and conforming amendments to support these changes, including but not limited to chapters related to health, education, insurance, professions and vocations, the pain patient's bill of rights, the Uniform Probate Code, minors, the Child Protective Act, and the Penal Code. Repeals the obsolete Hawaii Health Corps. Effective 1/30/2050. Implementation effective 7/1/2028. (SD1)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 4 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jarrett Keohokalole | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 24 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Kurt Fevella | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| Joy San Buenaventura | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Rachele Lamosao | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 19 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Reported from HHS/CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2558) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC/WAM.
- Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC/WAM.
- 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, McKelvey, Kanuha, Keohokalole; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella.
- The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, Lamosao, McKelvey, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
- The committee(s) on HHS/CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-06-26 9:00AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
- Referred to HHS/CPN, JDC/WAM.
- Introduced.
- Passed First Reading.