Requires the Department of Education to include the instruction of braille and provision of braille instructional materials under certain circumstances; provide braille literacy support services; cooperate with the Department of Human Services when requested to submit information necessary to maintain a register of the blind in the State; provide comprehensive information about braille literacy services, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services, including educational programming options; and participate in the development of section 504 plans and individualized education programs. Appropriates funds. (CD1)
Requires operators of AI companions in the State to issue certain disclosures to users. Requires operators to develop certain protocols to respond to user prompts regarding suicidal ideation or self-harm. Establishes protections for users and minor users of AI companions. Beginning 1/1/2028, requires operators to submit annual reports to the Behavioral Health Administration of the Department of Health containing certain information. Establishes that violations are to be considered unfair or deceptive acts or practices. (CD1)
Prohibits certain harmful uses of realistic digital imitations generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Establishes certain exemptions. Provides for civil actions and civil remedies for individuals injured by unauthorized AI-generated realistic digital imitations. (CD1)
Beginning 10/1/2026, prohibits the ownership, operation, or management of a digital financial asset transaction kiosk that accepts United States currency from a customer in exchange for a digital financial asset. (CD1)
Part I: Makes conforming amendments to section 76-16(b), HRS, for positions the Department of Accounting and General Services is authorized to establish and fill pursuant to section 26‑6(b)(9), HRS, and requires annual reports to the Legislature. Part II: Authorizes DAGS to establish and fill up to 3 full-time equivalent positions within its Public Works Division's Special Project Branch that shall be exempt from civil service and collective bargaining requirements as part of the State's efforts to undertake unique and specialized public works projects and requires DAGS to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Part II: Sunsets 12/31/2031. (CD1)
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws apply to decisions made by artificial intelligence and automated systems. The bill directs the commission to examine how these technologies are used in areas like hiring, housing, and credit, and to identify any legal gaps or challenges in addressing potential discrimination. The commission must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027, which could lead to new rules or laws if needed. This measure does not change existing laws immediately but initiates an official review of how civil rights protections work in the age of automated decision-making.
This bill encourages Hawaii County to work with the Puako community, the Department of Health, and other partners to finish the Puako Sewage Project, which aims to replace aging cesspools with modern wastewater systems. The project combines advanced wastewater collection technology with fiber optic internet infrastructure to address both environmental pollution and the digital divide in rural areas. By using a public-private partnership model, the initiative seeks to create a replicable solution that can help other communities across Hawaii tackle similar sewage challenges while restoring local coral reefs.
Establishes the Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program to create career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology. Requires the University of Hawaii to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and appropriate community organizations to develop and administer the program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Expands the definition of "eligible business activity" for the purposes of the Enterprise Zone Program to include certain research and development activities and information technology design and production services. Authorizes the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to declare up to two census tracts in the State that contain an innovation enterprise to be designated as an enterprise zone, subject to the Governor's approval. Requires DBEDT to conduct an in-house comprehensive review, in consultation with the Department of Taxation, of the State Enterprise Zones Program and requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes safeguards, protections, oversight, and penalties for interactions between minors and artificial intelligence companion systems or conversational artificial intelligence services. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD2)
