In one paragraph
Hawaii's SB 2788 (2026) would have added a part to HRS chapter 28 on conversational AI services and AI companion systems used by minors. Providers would have to disclose to minors that they are AI at the start of each session and at least every three hours; if they know or have reasonable certainty a user is a minor, they could not present as human, encourage dependency, simulate romance or use manipulative engagement tactics. The attorney general could seek up to $15,000 per violation per day; injured persons could sue. It was referred to committees January 30, 2026 and died.
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 AI companion providers to add disclosures, safeguards and parental tools for minors.
Key provisions
- Providers of conversational AI services or AI companion systems would have to clearly disclose to a minor that they are interacting with AI, at the start of each session and at least once every three hours in a continuous interaction
- Where a provider knows or has reasonable certainty a user is a minor, it could not claim to be human or sentient, encourage emotional dependency or secrecy from parents, simulate romantic or sexual relationships, use manipulative engagement techniques or present as professional mental health services
- Providers would have to take reasonable measures against sexually explicit content for minors and content promoting self-harm, and keep a suicide and self-harm protocol
- Minors' data limited to what is reasonably necessary; no targeted advertising to minors or profiling them for engagement optimization; companion providers would offer parental tools for time limits and feature restrictions and use reasonable, proportionate age assurance
- Attorney general enforcement with injunctions and civil penalties of up to $15,000 per violation per day; injured persons could seek actual damages, injunction and attorney's fees; safe harbor for documented good-faith compliance
- Would have taken effect upon approval; died after referral to LBT/HHS and JDC
Latest legislative action
Jan 30, 2026. Referred to LBT/HHS, JDC.
Sponsors (showing 5 of 14)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| AQUINO | Primary |
| CHANG | Primary |
| ELEFANTE | Primary |
| HASHIMOTO | Primary |
| KEOHOKALOLE | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
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