HI HB2466: Relating To Education.

In one paragraph

Hawaii's House Bill 2466 (2026) would have barred students from using electronic telecommunication devices during instructional hours from the 2026-2027 school year, with exceptions, and required the Department of Education to develop a K-12 social media and AI literacy curriculum covering deepfakes, AI-generated content and ways to detect it. The department would have had to report on both within three years. It was referred to committees February 2, 2026 and not enacted. It would have taken effect July 1, 2026.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

None: the bill was not enacted. If enacted, it would have bound the Department of Education and students, not private businesses.

Key provisions

1. 1Would have barred students from using electronic devices during instructional hours unless for a school-related activity, with devices turned off and stowed
2. 2Exceptions for students whose IEP, 504 plan, accommodation plan or health plan requires a device, students a teacher authorizes for instruction, and emergencies
3. 3Would have required the department to develop and administer a developmentally appropriate K-12 social media and AI literacy curriculum, including AI-generated synthetic media, deepfakes, detection strategies and reporting harmful content
4. 4Would have required the department to post its instructional materials online, with each school notifying parents, and to report to the Legislature no later than three years after the effective date, then every five years; no penalties or appropriation are stated
5. 5Introduced and passed first reading January 28, 2026; referred to EDN, JHA, FIN February 2, 2026; stated effective date July 1, 2026

Latest legislative action

Feb 2, 2026. Referred to EDN, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 6

Sponsors (showing 5 of 54)