Technology

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1349: Informing the Legislature that on July 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2137 HD3 SD2 CD1 (ACT 247).

This bill, signed into law as Act 247, establishes legal protections in Hawaii against the malicious use of artificial intelligence to create realistic digital imitations of real people. It directly affects individuals whose likeness, voice, or face could be used without permission for harmful purposes such as fraud, defamation, or commercial advertising. The law prohibits publishing these AI-generated imitations without consent when they are used in ads, cause harm, or facilitate criminal acts, while explicitly exempting uses for parody, satire, news reporting, and historical documentation. Additionally, the act provides civil remedies for victims who suffer reputational injury, financial loss, or emotional distress from unauthorized deepfakes.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes legal protections against malicious AI use, enhancing cybersecurity and protecting digital rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1355: Informing the Legislature that on July 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB888 SD2 HD2 CD1 (ACT 253).

This bill prohibits companies that make smart home security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless specific conditions are met. Data sharing is only allowed if the user gives written consent, a judge issues a warrant, or an immediate emergency involving imminent death or serious bodily harm exists. The law also bans companies from forcing users to agree to data sharing as a requirement to use their devices. Violations of these rules can result in penalties and legal action by the state attorney general, but private individuals cannot sue under this specific section.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts warrantless data sharing by police and requires user consent, enhancing privacy and police accountability.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects data privacy and consumer rights by restricting unauthorized data sharing by tech companies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges Law Enforcement

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 15, 2026

GM 1363: Informing the Legislature that on July 15, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2023 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 260).

This bill establishes a new statewide program to certify and monitor active intelligent speed assistance systems installed in vehicles, with the goal of ensuring these safety technologies function reliably and securely. It requires the state to select a single vendor to handle the installation and maintenance of these systems while setting strict standards for their accuracy, tamper resistance, and insurance coverage. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that car manufacturers and retailers are generally not liable for accidents caused by these systems unless they intentionally or knowingly cause harm through repairs or updates. The law also allows vehicle lessors and lienholders to charge fees for removing the systems and mandates that vendors be audited annually by the Department of Transportation.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes a program to certify and monitor intelligent speed assistance systems, enhancing vehicle safety technology reliability and security.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes a program to certify and monitor intelligent speed assistance systems, enhancing vehicle safety and transportation security.90% confidence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 7, 2026

GM 1284: Informing the Legislature that on July 6, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2360 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 182).

This bill modernizes Hawaii's enterprise zone program to better support local businesses by expanding the range of eligible activities and updating qualification rules. It allows local manufacturers that sell directly to retailers to qualify for benefits, adds new eligible sectors such as aerospace technology and specific medical services, and permits the state to designate up to two census tracts on state land as enterprise zones if they contain innovation enterprises. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive review of the program in consultation with the Department of Taxation and report its findings to the legislature. These changes aim to revitalize neighborhoods and promote job creation and preservation for local companies in designated areas.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands enterprise zone benefits to support local businesses, fostering economic growth and fiscal health through targeted incentives.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands enterprise zones to include aerospace technology and innovation enterprises, fostering tech sector growth.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1329: Informing the Legislature that on July 10, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2532 HD1 CD1 (ACT 227).

This bill requires political committees in Hawaii to submit campaign reports and related documents electronically to the Campaign Spending Commission instead of using mail or physical delivery. It mandates that committees file detailed information about contributions, expenditures, loans, and durable assets online, including specific data on contributors who give large amounts and the ultimate recipients of campaign spending. The law also updates the process for terminating a committee's registration by requiring electronic submission of final reports and bank statements. Additionally, organizers must electronically file a notice of intent before holding any political fundraiser, ensuring the commission has advance notice of the event details. These changes directly affect candidates, political action committees, and other groups involved in state elections by standardizing how they report financial activities.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates electronic filing of campaign reports, advancing digital infrastructure and data transparency in political processes.90% confidence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1350: Informing the Legislature that on July 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3001 SD2 HD3 CD1 (ACT 248).

This bill, signed into law as Act 248, establishes safety rules for artificial intelligence companies operating in Hawaii, specifically targeting chatbots and companion-style systems. It requires these platforms to clearly and visibly inform users that they are interacting with an AI rather than a human, with stricter disclosure rules for minors that include hourly reminders to take breaks. Additionally, the law mandates that AI operators create protocols to respond to users expressing suicidal thoughts or self-harm by directing them to professional crisis intervention services. By amending the Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislation aims to protect consumers from deceptive design practices and potential harm without requiring technology companies to collect personal identity data for age verification.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes safety rules and disclosure requirements for AI to protect consumers, particularly minors, aligning with consumer protection indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Online Safety

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1345: Informing the Legislature that on July 13, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1894 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 243).

This bill establishes the Hawaii Braille Literacy Education Act to improve educational access for students with low vision or blindness. It requires the Department of Education to provide braille instruction and materials, offer literacy support services, and collaborate with other agencies to maintain a state register of the blind. The law also mandates that the department share information about assistive technology and participate in creating individualized education plans for affected students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access for students with low vision or blindness by mandating braille instruction and assistive technology support.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates the provision of assistive technology and braille instruction, directly advancing digital equity and access for students with visual impairments.75% confidence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1354: Informing the Legislature that on July 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1753 HD2 SD2 CD2 (ACT 252).

This bill, known as the Hawaii Social Media Data Deletion Act, requires large social media platforms to give users clear and effective ways to permanently delete their accounts and all associated personal data. It applies to platforms with at least one million monthly active users nationwide or those generating $25 million or more in annual revenue. The law mandates that these companies remove all stored information, including sensitive details like browsing history and biometric data, when a user requests account termination. Additionally, the act prohibits deceptive practices that might prevent users from successfully deleting their accounts or their data.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy by mandating permanent account deletion and removal of sensitive data for large platforms.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Social Media

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1359: Informing the Legislature that on July 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2852 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 257).

This bill directs the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to create rules requiring websites and digital applications used by public accommodations to be accessible to people with disabilities. It explicitly defines denying access through inaccessible technology as an unlawful discriminatory practice under state civil rights laws. The legislation mandates that these new rules align with the federal web accessibility standards established by the U.S. Department of Justice. By clarifying these requirements, the bill ensures that businesses providing public services must make their digital offerings usable for all citizens.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates web accessibility for public accommodations, promoting digital equity and protecting users with disabilities from discriminatory access barriers.95% confidence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 5, 2026

GM 1188: Informing the Legislature that on June 5, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1511 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 088).

This bill prohibits companies from sending unsolicited mail or emails that use high-pressure tactics to trick consumers into believing the sender is affiliated with a government agency, vehicle manufacturer, or insurance company. The law specifically targets scams involving requests to pay for extended vehicle warranties, home warranties, or government license renewals. To comply, senders must include a clear, bold statement confirming they are not affiliated with the entity they claim to represent and that the payment is completely optional. If a sender fails to include this required disclosure, any contract resulting from the message is voidable, and the consumer is entitled to a full refund.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances cybersecurity by prohibiting deceptive emails and scams, protecting consumers from fraud and improving digital safety.85% confidence

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