Session Expired

Your session has expired. Please sign in again to continue where you left off.

Sign In Again
HI SB1618

HI SB1618: Relating To Journalism. Verified

Sign in to follow

Get emailed when this bill changes status, is amended, or advances.

Disclaimer: This page provides general informational summaries only and does not constitute legal advice. AI-generated content may contain errors. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer →
AI Summary

Establishes a Journalistic Ethics Commission in Hawaii to enhance journalistic integrity, mandating ethics training for journalists and requiring annual reports to the Legislature. The Journalistic Ethics Review Board handles complaints and appeals regarding violations of the Journalistic Code of Ethics. The Board of Regents must analyze the journalism program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Social Sciences.

Business Impact

If you operate a journalism outlet in Hawaii, you must complete ethics training by January 1, 2025, or face penalties from the Journalistic Ethics Commission.

State
Hawaii
Bill Number
SB1618
Status
Introduced
Risk Level
Medium
Category
Comprehensive
Last Action
Jan 21, 2026
Last Verified
May 4, 2026
Data Updated
May 4, 2026
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced — Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee — Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed — Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted — Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed — Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown — Status data not yet available or awaiting classification

Affected Industries

Consumer Protection Education Journalism Media Employment

What This Means

SB1618 aims to enhance journalistic integrity in Hawaii by establishing a Journalistic Ethics Commission. It mandates training for journalists on ethical standards and requires annual reports to the Legislature. The Journalistic Ethics Review Board handles complaints and appeals regarding violations of the Journalistic Code of Ethics. The Board of Regents is tasked with analyzing the journalism program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Social Sciences.

Key Provisions

Latest Legislative Action

Re-Referred to CPN/EDU, JDC/WAM.

Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 9)

Name Role
Primary
Primary
Primary
Primary
Primary

Compliance Checklist

Provide periodic journalistic ethics training for journalists and editors.
Who: All news media outlets operating in Hawaii.
Deadline: Ongoing requirement.
Penalty: Potential fines and other penalties for non-compliance.
Label AI-generated or AI-manipulated content prominently.
Who: Journalists and editors at news media outlets.
Deadline: Ongoing requirement.
Penalty: Penalties as determined by the Journalistic Ethics Review Board.

Full Legal Analysis

SB1618 establishes a Journalistic Ethics Commission within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, tasked with overseeing the use of a Journalistic Code of Ethics. The bill requires news media outlets to provide ethics training for journalists and editors. It also establishes penalties for violations of the Journalistic Code of Ethics. Additionally, the Journalistic Ethics Review Board, which handles complaints and appeals regarding violations of the Journalistic Code of Ethics, is administratively attached to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The Board of Regents is required to conduct an analysis of the journalism program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Social Sciences and report to the Legislature. The Journalistic Ethics Commission is also required to submit annual reports to the Legislature.

Official Source


More Hawaii AI Legislation

View All HI Laws →

More Hawaii AI Laws

Browse all published AI bills and regulations for Hawaii.

View HI Laws →

Stay Updated on AI Laws

New AI laws, compliance deadlines, and plain-English breakdowns. Updated daily.

Unsubscribe anytime.
You're subscribed. Check your inbox.
Report an error in this data