Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 953: RELATING TO HOSPITALS.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 953 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 17, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO HOSPITALS. Primary sponsor: Joy San Buenaventura (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic), Kurt Fevella (Republican), KIDANI, Angus McKelvey (Democratic), Sharon Moriwaki (Democratic), Karl Rhoads (Democratic), Tim Richards (Democratic). 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 State's Hospital Price Transparency Act. Prohibits hospitals from taking certain debt collection actions against a patient if the hospital is not in compliance with hospital price transparency laws. Allows patients and patient guarantors to file suit against hospitals in violation. Requires hospitals to make public and post their Medicare reimbursement rates no later than 10/1/25 and deems violations as an unfair and deceptive act or practice. Requires the Department of Health to conduct performance assessments of hospitals for adherence to federal transparency rules annually and make a list of hospitals with poor performance available on its website no later than 2/1/2026. Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joy San Buenaventura | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Kurt Fevella | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| KIDANI | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Angus McKelvey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 6 |
| Sharon Moriwaki | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 12 |
| Karl Rhoads | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 13 |
| Tim Richards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
“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 on HHS deferred the measure.
- The committee on CPN deferred the measure.
- The committee(s) on HHS/CPN deferred the measure until 02-12-25 9:34AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
- The committee(s) on HHS/CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-11-25 9:45AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
- Referred to HHS/CPN, JDC.
- Passed First Reading.
- Introduced.