Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 493: RELATING TO VETERINARIANS.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 493 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 17, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO VETERINARIANS. Primary sponsor: Tim Richards (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic), Kurt Fevella (Republican), Carol Fukunaga (Democratic), Troy Hashimoto (Democratic), Dru Kanuha (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.
Establishes the Veterinarian Workforce Development Special Fund. Establishes the Veterinarian Workforce Development Fee to support recruitment and retention of veterinarians in the State. Establishes the Veterinarian Workforce Development Loan Repayment and Scholarship Program to support qualified veterinarians committed to or currently working in veterinary medicine in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Richards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Kurt Fevella | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| Carol Fukunaga | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 11 |
| Troy Hashimoto | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| Dru Kanuha | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 3 |
| Angus McKelvey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 6 |
| Joy San Buenaventura | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
“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.
- Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 437) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
- Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
- 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 has scheduled a public hearing on 02-04-25 9:35AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
- Referred to CPN, WAM.
- Introduced.
- Passed First Reading.