Hearing aid specialists; reduce minimum age for person applying for license and set time period to pass exams.

HB 316 lowers the minimum age for applying to become a licensed hearing aid specialist in Mississippi from 21 to 18 years old. It also extends the time applicants have to pass required exams from an unspecified prior period to 18 months after submitting their initial application. The bill directly affects prospective hearing aid specialists seeking licensure in Mississippi, modifying the eligibility requirements in state law. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, as specified in the bill.