Legislation Detail

Operators must give clear and conspicuous notice that an AI companion is artificial and not human whenever a reasonable person could be misled, with persistent/hourly disclosures for users known or reasonably certain to be under 18. Operators must maintain protocols to detect and respond to expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harm and refer users to crisis services, may not represent the companion as a licensed mental health professional, and must report annually (beginning January 1, 2028) to the Behavioral Health Administration of the Hawaii Department of Health.

'Operators' — persons that develop and make an AI companion available to the public (app stores, search engines and underlying model developers excluded)

Violations enforced as unfair or deceptive acts under HRS Section 480-2; no private right of action created

Signed with HB 2137 (deepfakes) at a July 14, 2026 ceremony per the Governor's office.