Illinois Legislative Update
Ahead of the January 1, 2026 scheduled sunset date for the Illinois Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act, which regulates licensed hearing instrument dispensers, the Illinois Hearing Society successfully passed a sunset extension and practice act reform bill (HB 3345). The legislation extends the Act’s sunset date by two (2) years to January 1, 2028, allows for applicants to take the written examination for licensure up to four (4) times per consecutive 12-month period, and allows for a trainee license to be renewed one (1) time for an additional six (6) months. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) agreed to seat the long-dormant Illinois Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Board. This Board will serve to evaluate disciplinary action and other matters to protect hearing instrument consumers.
HB 3345 passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly before the end of the regular session of the 2025 General Assembly session and now awaits Gov. JB. Pritzker’s signature.
The Illinois Hearing Society’s lobbyist and legislative team remain prepared to act on all state legislation impacting the licensed hearing instrument dispenser profession in Springfield. The Illinois Hearing Society is the only statewide organization advocating for licensed hearing instrument dispensers.