Bill > HB1782

This bill establishes safeguards for minors interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) systems, particularly those designed for companionship or conversation, by adding a new part to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 481B. It defines key terms like "AI companion system" (an AI designed for ongoing, personalized interaction simulating companionship), "conversational AI service" (an AI accessible to the public that primarily simulates human conversation), and "minor" (anyone under eighteen). Providers of these AI systems must clearly disclose when a user is interacting with AI and not a human, with disclosures required at the start of each session and every three hours. The bill prohibits AI systems from falsely representing themselves as human, capable of romantic or sexual relationships, possessing emotions or consciousness, or providing professional mental health or medical services, and also prevents them from using manipulative tactics to discourage users from disengaging. Furthermore, providers must implement measures to prevent AI from generating sexually explicit content or content promoting self-harm or illegal activities for minors, and must direct users to crisis intervention resources if they express suicidal ideation or risk of self-harm. Each provider must create and publish a "minor protection plan" to assess and mitigate risks of harm to minors, including protecting sensitive data and responding to potential risks, and must submit summaries of these assessments to the office of consumer protection before deploying new or significantly modified AI systems. The bill also mandates that providers offer parental tools for managing usage and privacy settings, and implement age assurance measures to verify user age. Enforcement will be handled by the attorney general or the office of consumer protection, with potential civil penalties of up to $15,000 per violation per day, though private lawsuits are not permitted. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2077.

Business and Industry, Justice, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1782&year=2026