Bill > SB1618

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for journalism ethics in Hawaii by creating a Journalistic Ethics Commission within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and a Journalistic Ethics Review Board to oversee and enforce ethical standards in media. The bill requires news media outlets (with some exemptions for small independent journalists) to adhere to a code of ethics based on the Society of Professional Journalists' standards, which includes prominently labeling AI-generated content, prohibiting AI impersonation, and avoiding misrepresentation of facts. News media outlets must provide periodic ethics training for their journalists and editors, with the department offering assistance to small and nonprofit outlets in obtaining financial support for such training. The Journalistic Ethics Review Board will establish a public reporting system with a dedicated hotline and online platform for filing complaints about potential ethics violations, and will investigate and recommend penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines, public notices of non-compliance, and suspension of state media privileges. The bill also requires the University of Hawaii's Board of Regents to analyze the journalism program's ethics curriculum and report its findings to the Legislature. Importantly, the bill includes provisions to protect journalistic independence and free speech, ensuring that the regulations do not interfere with constitutional rights of journalists and media outlets.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1618&year=2026