Bill > SB1156

This bill establishes a new criminal offense in Hawaii related to the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes, which are digitally manipulated audio or visual media that falsely depict an individual engaging in sexual conduct without their consent. Specifically, the bill makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly create or distribute a deepfake that shows a person nude or performing sexual acts, without that person's agreement. The legislation provides several important definitions and exceptions: a "deepfake" is an electronically altered media that appears authentic to a reasonable observer, but the law does not apply to materials with political, public interest, or newsworthy value, nor to content that clearly discloses its artificial nature. The bill explicitly protects First Amendment rights and defines "sexual conduct" comprehensively, including various types of sexual contact and explicit behaviors. Importantly, the law covers not just the creation of such deepfakes, but also their distribution, exhibition, or exchange with others, and offers clear guidelines about what constitutes a violation. The act will take effect immediately upon approval, providing a legal mechanism to address the growing concern of non-consensual synthetic pornographic content.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1156&year=2026