Technology

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

SB 2852: RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS.

Requires the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to adopt rules on digital accessibility for places of public accommodation that are consistent with certain federal regulations. Specifies that a violation of the rules is an unlawful discriminatory practice. Establishes that it is an unlawful discriminatory practice for a place of public accommodation to deny a person with a disability full and equal enjoyment of their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations, or information related thereto, by requiring the use of information and communication technology that is not accessible to the person. (CD1)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates accessible ICT in public accommodations, advancing digital equity for people with disabilities per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

SB 3001: RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

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)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires AI operators to disclose, prevent harm, protect minors, and submit reports - enhancing consumer safety and transparency in AI services per regulatory indicators.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 14, 2026

HB 2137: RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

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)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates disclosure of AI-generated content and synthetic performers, establishes civil remedies for harm, aligning with consumer protection in digital rights and data privacy policies.92% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 7, 2026

HB 1682: RELATING TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INTIMATE IMAGES.

HB 1682 creates civil legal remedies for individuals whose intimate images are shared without consent. It directly affects people who experience non-consensual disclosure of intimate images, allowing them to sue offenders in court. Key provisions include enabling victims to seek monetary damages and court orders to stop the sharing or removal of the images. The bill focuses on civil remedies, not criminal penalties, providing a legal pathway for victims to address violations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates civil remedies for non-consensual sharing of intimate images, directly strengthening data privacy protections in digital contexts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 7, 2026

SB 2135: RELATING TO PRIVACY.

SB 2135 creates a new criminal offense for sharing someone's intimate images without their consent. It directly affects individuals whose private photos or videos are distributed online or otherwise without permission. The key provision defines this act as a punishable offense, establishing legal consequences for perpetrators. The bill is currently pending before the LBT committee, having been referred for review after its initial introduction.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates criminal offense for nonconsensual intimate image distribution, protecting victim privacy rights under criminal justice framework95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy by criminalizing nonconsensual intimate image sharing, directly protecting digital rights and personal data online.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 3069: RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE EXEMPT POSITIONS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES.

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)

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentExempts positions from collective bargaining, removing worker negotiation rights. Directly limits a key labor protection.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts IT modernization staff from civil service rules to advance state IT infrastructure, directly supporting technology modernization efforts per bill's purpose.85% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 1782: RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE PROTECTION OF MINORS.

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)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes regulatory safeguards and oversight for AI systems interacting with minors, aligning with consumer protection in technology regulation.92% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

Track

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2387: RELATING TO DIGITAL FINANCIAL ASSET TRANSACTION KIOSKS.

Establishes limits on transactions through digital financial asset transaction kiosks. Prohibits (1) the exchanging of United States currency, in an amount greater than $100, from new customers for digital financial assets; (2) any two customers from transacting to the same digital financial asset wallet address; and (3) beginning 1/1/2030, the exchange of United States currency from customers for digital financial assets. Requires operators of digital financial asset transaction kiosks to use blockchain analytics and tracing software to prevent fraud; make certain disclosures; provide receipts to customers; provide full refunds under certain circumstances; and provide live customer service and a dedicated communications line for the Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection, Department of Law Enforcement, and county police departments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates blockchain analytics for fraud prevention, enhancing cybersecurity and consumer protection in digital financial transactions through required technology use.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 146: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT TO UNDERTAKE A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE REVIEW OF CIVIL SERVICE CLASS SPECIFICATIONS, MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, AND CLASSIFICATIONS AND DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A PHASED MODERNIZATION IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development to conduct a comprehensive review of state civil service job descriptions and classifications to ensure they reflect modern workplace requirements. The review will examine outdated job duties, evaluate salary competitiveness against current labor markets, and identify positions with chronic recruitment or retention challenges. The resolution also authorizes the use of artificial intelligence tools to assist in analyzing job data, provided they are used only for support purposes under strict human oversight and do not make final employment decisions. The department is asked to consult with employees, unions, and stakeholders, then submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill aims to modernize job descriptions and improve recruitment/retention, directly supporting workforce development and employment standards.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly authorizes use of artificial intelligence as a support tool for civil service modernization, indicating positive stance toward technology adoption.75% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 1496: RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS.

Makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for places of public accommodation to deny a person with a disability full and equal enjoyment of, or information related to, their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations using information and communication technology intended for use by the general public as applicants, participants, customers, clients, or visitors. Establishes exceptions. Clarifies that a facility is considered a place of public accommodation regardless of whether its presence in the State is physical or digital. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires public accommodations to provide accessible ICT for disabled individuals, promoting digital equity and accessibility standards per civil rights framework.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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