The HLAA Legislative Committee offers this update on the status of our proposed legislation as of January 25, 2020.
AB615 and SB601 relate to the installation of hearing loops in state buildings and AB616 and SB604 require audiologists and hearing aid dispensers to inform clients about connection of hearing aids to an assistive listening system that are enhanced by telecoils.
At this time, neither committee chairs in the assembly or the senate have indicated an interest or inclination to hold a public hearing on these bills. This means that the bills will not be acted upon during this legislative session. Both bills would have to be re- introduced in a new legislative session several months from now and the process would start over.
Contact Your Legislators:
HLAA members and friends should continue to contract their legislators and especially the chairs of the appropriate committees: AB615 was assigned to the Committee on State Affairs chaired by Rep. Swearingen (from Rhinelander). AB616 was assigned to the Committee on Small Business Development chaired by Rep. Brandtjen from Menominee Falls, SB601 was assigned to the Committee on Government Operations Technology and Consumer Protection chaired by Senator Stroebel (from Saukville) and SB604 was assigned to the Health & Human Services Committee chaired by Senator Testin (from Stevens Point).
Submitted by David Seligman