Hawaii legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii HB2137: Relating to Artificial Intelligence.
Status: Signed into law, July 14, 2026
Part I: Prohibits certain harmful uses of and mandates disclosure for 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. Part II: Requires the disclosure of the use of synthetic performers in advertising. Establishes civil fines.
What the bill says
A bill for an act relating to artificial intelligence.
From the enrolled text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that deepfake technology enables the realistic digital imitation of an individual's voice, face, likeness, and performance. The legislature further finds that malicious uses of deepfake technology have been documented in identity theft, fraud, election interference, cyberbullying, and non-consensual pornography. Victims often face reputational, financial, and emotional harm, with detection rates for the use of deepfake imitations as low as sixty-two per cent even among experts. The legislature additionally finds that federal law addresses limited scenarios of the malicious use of deepfake technology, including explicit content targeting minors, but leaves broad gaps in consumer and reputational protection. Furthermore, the legislature finds that the State has a compelling interest in preventing fraud, identity theft, defamation, and emotional distress while also protecting lawful speech. Moreover, the legislature finds that it is important to 2026--3283 H32137 CD1 HMSO H.B. NO.. ~ Page2 C.D. protect Hawaii residents from identity-based harm caused by the malicious use of artificial intelligence (Al) while safeguarding constitutional rights to free expression, parody, satire, and journalism. Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to: (1) Prohibit certain harmful uses of Al-generated personal likenesses; and (2) Provide civil remedies for individuals injured by unauthorized Al-generated realistic digital imitations. SECTION 2. The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding …
Sponsors
- Michael Lee (D, 50) · primary sponsor
- Terez Amato (D, 11)
- Della Belatti (D, 26)
- Cory Chun (D, 35)
- Gedeon, Joe (R, 18)
- Tina Grandinetti (D, 20)
- Ikaika Hussey (D, 29)
- Greggor Ilagan (D, 4)
- Kirstin Kahaloa (D, 6)
- Darius Kila (D, 44)
- Matthias Kusch (D, 1)
- Nicole Lowen (D, 7)
Latest actions
- : Act 247, on 07/14/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1349).
- : Act 247, 07/14/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1349).
- : Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
- : Transmitted to Governor.
- : Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816).
- : Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Cochran, Garcia, Matsumoto, Pierick voting no (4) and none excused (0).
- : Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none.
- : 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26
- : Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 65-26).
- : Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26.
Votes
- Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1) (May 6, 2026): 25 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Cochran, Garcia, Matsumoto, Pierick voting no (4) and none excused (0) (May 6, 2026): 47 yea, 4 nay, passed
- none. (April 28, 2026): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Conference Committee Vote (April 28, 2026): 3 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2) (April 14, 2026): 25 yea, 0 nay, passed
- JDC: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (April 2, 2026): 4 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Report, Exemption, Artificial Intelligence, Penalties, Prohibition, Exemptions
Common questions
- What is HB2137?
- HB2137 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to Artificial Intelligence.
- What does HB2137 do?
- In its own words: A bill for an act relating to artificial intelligence.
- What is the status of HB2137?
- Signed into law as of July 14, 2026. Latest action: Act 247, on 07/14/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1349). (July 14, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2137?
- Michael Lee (D, 50), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2137?
- On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2137&year=2026
Source: official Hawaii record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.