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HI SB1618: Relating To Journalism.

Dead/Failed Hawaii

Last verified Oct 10, 2026 · official bill text

SB1618 · where it stands

This bill did not become law (dead/failed) · last action Jan 21, 2026.

What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Hawaii's SB 1618 (2025) would have created a journalistic code of ethics for news media outlets, administered by a Journalistic Ethics Commission within DCCA. Journalists, editors and outlets would have to prominently label AI-generated or AI-manipulated content and not use an AI tool to impersonate an individual or misrepresent facts. It was carried over to 2026, re-referred January 21, 2026 and died. Independent journalists and bloggers with fewer than 10,000 monthly readers would have been exempt.

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

What it means for business

None: the bill did not pass. It would have required news outlets to label AI-generated content and train staff on ethics.

Key provisions

  1. Would apply to news media outlets in print, broadcast and digital; would exempt independent journalists and bloggers with fewer than 10,000 monthly readers
  2. Journalists, editors and outlets would have to comply with the Society of Professional Journalists code, prominently label any story or segment containing AI-generated or AI-manipulated content, and not use an AI tool to impersonate an individual or misrepresent facts
  3. Outlets would have to provide periodic ethics training; DCCA would help small and nonprofit outlets find funding
  4. A commission and review board would run complaints; for a second and later violation the board could impose a public notice, a fine (amount blank), or suspension or revocation of state media privileges
  5. Would have taken effect upon approval; carried over December 8, 2025 and died after re-referral January 21, 2026

Latest legislative action

Jan 21, 2026. Re-Referred to CPN/EDU, JDC/WAM.

Sponsors (showing 5 of 9)

NameRole
Primary
Primary
Primary
Primary
Primary

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI TransparencyAI Deepfakes

Affected industries

MediaGovernment

This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error

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Same topic in other states

Indiana HB1133 Use of digitally altered media in elections Idaho H0664 ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATIONS – Freedom From AI-Rigged (FAIR) Elections Act: rel Rhode Island H5872 Relating to Elections -- Deceptive and Fraudulent Synthetic Media in Election Co Nevada AB73 AN ACT relating to campaign practices; requiring certain communications relating Wisconsin AB664 Disclosures regarding content generated by artificial intelligence in political New Mexico HB182 AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS; AMENDING AND ENACTING SECTIONS OF THE CAMPAIGN REP