Hawaii bills · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii SB 1494
RELATING TO HEARING AIDS.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became law
Sponsors
- MCKELVEY (Democratic)
- RHOADS (Democratic)
- SAN BUENAVENTURA (Democratic)
- DECOITE (Democratic)
- INOUYE (Democratic)
- RICHARDS (Democratic)
Cosponsors (1)
- Wakai (Democratic)
Summary
Official abstract published by the Hawaii legislature· description
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)
Text versions
Roll-call votes
State vote data last updated Oct 16, 2026, 8:07 AM.
| Date | Vote | Result | Your legislators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 4, 2025 Senate | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). | pass | Set your home in Hawaii to see |
| Feb 20, 2025 Senate | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. | pass | Set your home in Hawaii to see |
| Feb 3, 2025 Senate | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. | pass | Set your home in Hawaii to see |
Actions
- Jan 22, 2025 · Senate
Pending Introduction. - Jan 23, 2025 · Senate
Introduced and passed First Reading. - Jan 27, 2025 · Senate
Referred to HHS, CPN. - Jan 31, 2025 · Senate
The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-25 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. - Feb 3, 2025 · Senate
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. - Feb 11, 2025 · Senate
Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 271) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to CPN. - Feb 11, 2025 · Senate
Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to CPN. - Feb 14, 2025 · Senate
The committee(s) on CPN will hold a public decision making on 02-20-25 9:30AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. - Feb 20, 2025 · Senate
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. - Feb 27, 2025 · Senate
Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 749) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). - Feb 27, 2025 · Senate
48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25. - Mar 4, 2025 · Senate
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. - Mar 4, 2025 · House
Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 353) in amended form (SD 2). - Mar 6, 2025 · House
Pass First Reading - Mar 6, 2025 · House
Referred to HLT, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 19 - Mar 7, 2025 · House
Bill scheduled to be heard by HLT on Wednesday, 03-12-25 9:00AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. - Mar 12, 2025 · House
The committee(s) on HLT recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. - Dec 8, 2025 · Legislature
Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.