Informing the Legislature that on July 3, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2687 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 191).

This bill, signed into law as Act 191, prohibits individuals from recklessly distributing or agreeing to distribute materially deceptive media, such as deepfakes, during election periods in Hawaii. The law applies specifically to the time between the first working day of February in even-numbered years and the subsequent general election, aiming to protect candidates and voters from manipulated content that could influence election outcomes. Key provisions include establishing criminal penalties for violations and creating legal remedies for parties harmed by such distribution, while exempting broadcasters and online platforms unless they knowingly participate in deception. Additionally, the bill allows for the distribution of deceptive media if it includes a clear, visible disclaimer stating that the content has been manipulated and does not depict real events.