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HB 3345

HEARING INSTRUMENT EXTENSION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sara Feigenholtz and 5 co-sponsors

Delays the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act sunset from 2026 to 2028, preserving oversight of hearing-aid dispensers and clarifying trainee licensing and exam limits.

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Bill Summary · HB 3345

Summary — HB 3345 (Public Act 104‑0296): Hearing Instrument Extension

Status: Enacted as Public Act 104‑0296 (Governor approved Aug 15, 2025)
Introduced: Feb 25, 2025. Sponsors: Rep. Theresa Mah; Chief Senate sponsor Sen. Laura Fine. Co‑sponsors include Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, Reps. Camille Y. Lilly, Jawaharial Williams, Hoan Huynh.

Main purpose / intent

HB 3345 delays the statutory repeal (sunset) of Illinois’ Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act and makes two targeted changes to the Act’s licensing rules for hearing instrument dispensers and trainees. The goal is to extend regulatory oversight of hearing‑aid dispensing and to refine administrative/licensure procedures for applicants and trainees.

Key provisions and changes

  • Extension of sunset date

    • Changes the Regulatory Sunset Act to postpone the repeal of the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act. The Act’s scheduled repeal is moved from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028, thereby preserving the statutory framework for an additional two years.

  • Amendments to licensing/exam rules (Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act)

    • Written exam attempt limit: an applicant for a license to dispense/test/select/recommend/fit/service prescription hearing aids may take the written licensing exam no more than 4 times in any consecutive 12‑month period.
    • Trainee license renewal: a trainee license (which expires 12 months after issuance) may now be renewed once for an additional 6 months (previously non‑renewable).
    • Other licensure provisions (retained): 2‑year license term; requirement for written and practical exams; minimum education (associate degree or equivalent plus specified coursework or Department‑approved equivalent); continuing education requirements and limited waivers (e.g., military service, hardship).

  • Administrative authorities retained/clarified

    • The Department (as defined in the Act) maintains rulemaking authority over exam frequency, trainee limits per supervisor, trainee fees, and examination conditions. Supervising licensed dispensers/audiologists remain responsible for trainee work; trainees may be supervised by multiple licensed professionals and must complete verification forms.

Who is affected

  • Prospective and current hearing instrument dispensers and trainees in Illinois (licensure, training timelines, exam attempt planning).
  • Licensed audiologists and hearing instrument dispensers who supervise trainees.
  • Consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing benefit from continued regulatory oversight through 2028.
  • The Department responsible for professional licensure and rulemaking administration.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Passed both houses (House vote 114‑0; Senate recorded 57‑0 on third reading). Sent to Governor Jun 24, 2025; approved Aug 15, 2025.
  • Effective dates: The Act became Public Act 104‑0296 on Aug 15, 2025. Section 5 (amendment to the Regulatory Sunset Act) and the section indicated in the enrolled bill to take effect upon becoming law are effective immediately upon enactment; some other provisions are noted as taking effect June 1, 2026 (check official Public Act text for the specific provisions tied to that date).

Public Act reference: Public Act 104‑0296 (enrolled HB 3345).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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