Bill > HB1782

This bill establishes safeguards for minors interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) systems, particularly those designed to simulate companionship or conversation. It defines "AI companion system" as a conversational AI service intended for ongoing social or emotional interaction by simulating companionship, and "conversational AI service" as a public-facing AI system that primarily simulates human conversation. The bill mandates that providers clearly disclose when a minor is interacting with AI, not a human, at the start of each session and periodically thereafter, using age-appropriate language. It prohibits AI companion systems from misrepresenting themselves as human, encouraging emotional dependency or secrecy from parents, simulating romantic or sexual relationships, using manipulative engagement tactics, or posing as professional mental health services. Providers must also implement measures to prevent AI from generating sexually explicit content or content promoting self-harm for minors, and have protocols for responding to suicidal ideation. The bill limits the collection and use of a minor's personal data, especially sensitive data, and prohibits its use for targeted advertising or behavioral manipulation. It requires providers to offer parental tools for time limits and feature restrictions, and to implement reasonable age assurance measures for systems posing a material risk of harm. Violations can lead to civil actions for damages and injunctive relief, with the attorney general enforcing the law and imposing civil penalties of up to $15,000 per violation, per day.

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