Thursday, May 7, 2026
Hawai'i Free Press

Current Articles | Archives

Thursday, May 7, 2026
SB3001: Legislators Trying to Regulate AI
By News Release @ 8:39 AM :: 204 Views :: First Amendment, Hawaii State Government

HAWAIʻI STATE LEGISLATURE PASSES SB3001 CD1, THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DISCLOSURE AND SAFETY ACT

News Release from Hawaii Senate Majority Caucus, May 6, 2026

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – The Hawaiʻi State Legislature today gave final approval to Senate Bill 3001, CD1, the Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act, landmark legislation establishing some of the nation’s first consumer protections and transparency requirements for conversational artificial intelligence services, particularly for minors and individuals seeking mental health or crisis support.

SB3001 CD1 requires operators of conversational artificial intelligence platforms to clearly disclose when users are interacting with artificial intelligence rather than a human. Additional safeguards are established for minors, including protections against manipulative engagement techniques and sexually explicit content. Operators must also provide tools for parents and guardians to manage screen time and account settings.

The bill also requires operators to implement protocols that respond appropriately to users expressing suicidal ideation or self-harm by directing them toward crisis intervention resources such as suicide hotlines and crisis text lines.

“This legislation is about ensuring that as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday life, basic protections remain in place for the people using these systems—especially our young people,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. “AI technology is evolving rapidly, and Hawaiʻi has an opportunity to lead with thoughtful, balanced policy that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and public safety while still allowing innovation to move forward.”

“What sets Hawaiʻi’s bill apart is that, unlike laws passed in some other states, it does not create broad carveouts for certain AI products or platforms. In many cases, some of the AI tools most widely used by children are exempted from oversight before protections even begin,” said Representative Trish La Chica, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Education. “This bill represents an important first step toward applying meaningful safeguards to AI systems designed to build ongoing relationships with users. Hawaiʻi is joining a growing national movement that sends a clear message: innovation should not come at the expense of the safety and well-being of our children.”

Beginning January 1, 2028, operators will also be required to submit annual reports to the Department of Health outlining crisis intervention referral activity and protocols used to address suicidal ideation and harmful interactions.

Violations of the measure will be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under state law and may be enforced by the Department of the Attorney General and the Office of Consumer Protection.

SB3001 CD1 now advances to the Governor for consideration.

---30---

SB3001: Text, Status

HPR: Hawaiʻi expected to regulate AI being used by children | Hawai'i Public Radio

Links

TEXT "follow HawaiiFreePress" to 40404

Register to Vote

2aHawaii

Aloha Pregnancy Care Center

AntiPlanner

Antonio Gramsci Reading List

A Place for Women in Waipio

Ballotpedia Hawaii

Broken Trust

Christian Homeschoolers of Hawaii

Cliff Slater's Second Opinion

DVids Hawaii

FIRE

Fix Oahu!

Frontline: The Fixers

Genetic Literacy Project

Grassroot Institute

Habele.org

Hawaii Aquarium Fish Report

Hawaii Aviation Preservation Society

Hawaii Catholic TV

Hawaii Christian Coalition

Hawaii Cigar Association

Hawaii ConCon Info

Hawaii Debt Clock

Hawaii Defense Foundation

Hawaii Family Forum

Hawaii Farmer's Daughter

Hawaii Federation of Republican Women

Hawaii History Blog

Hawaii Jihadi Trial

Hawaii Legal News

Hawaii Legal Short-Term Rental Alliance

Hawaii Matters

Hawaii Military History

Hawaii's Partnership for Appropriate & Compassionate Care

Hawaii Public Charter School Network

Hawaii Rifle Association

Hawaii Shippers Council

Hawaii Together

HiFiCo

Hiram Fong Papers

Homeschool Legal Defense Hawaii

Honolulu Navy League

Honolulu Traffic

House Minority Blog

Imua TMT

Inouye-Kwock, NYT 1992

Inside the Nature Conservancy

Inverse Condemnation

July 4 in Hawaii

Land and Power in Hawaii

Lessons in Firearm Education

Lingle Years

Managed Care Matters -- Hawaii

MentalIllnessPolicy.org

Missile Defense Advocacy

MIS Veterans Hawaii

NAMI Hawaii

Natatorium.org

National Parents Org Hawaii

NFIB Hawaii

NRA-ILA Hawaii

Obookiah

OHA Lies

Opt Out Today

Patients Rights Council Hawaii

Practical Policy Institute of Hawaii

Pritchett Cartoons

Pro-GMO Hawaii

RailRipoff.com

Rental by Owner Awareness Assn

Research Institute for Hawaii USA

Rick Hamada Show

RJ Rummel

School Choice in Hawaii

SenatorFong.com

Talking Tax

Tax Foundation of Hawaii

The Real Hanabusa

Time Out Honolulu

Trustee Akina KWO Columns

Waagey.org

West Maui Taxpayers Association

Whole Life Hawaii