Bill > HR182

This resolution requests the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC), the state agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws, to investigate how existing state laws that prohibit discrimination in areas like employment, housing, and public services apply to decisions made by algorithmic and automated systems. These systems, which can include artificial intelligence (AI) tools, are increasingly used for tasks such as screening job applicants, selecting tenants, and determining eligibility for credit or public benefits. The resolution acknowledges that these systems, if built with biased data or without proper oversight, can unintentionally perpetuate or even worsen discrimination, creating new challenges for investigation and enforcement. Therefore, the HCRC is asked to assess if current laws are sufficient, identify any legal or practical difficulties in addressing algorithmic discrimination, consider if new rules or guidance are needed, explore ways to handle complaints about such discrimination, and recommend any legislative changes necessary to ensure that civil rights protections remain effective in the face of these evolving technologies, with a report due to the Legislature before the 2027 session.