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Bill

SB 2281

RELATING TO THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTH CARE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 10 co-sponsors

Hawaii bill establishes AI regulations in healthcare to set safety standards, ensure accountability, and protect patients from algorithmic bias and unvalidated diagnostic systems.

The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in LBT were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Elefante, Lamosao, Moriwaki, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Ihara.
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Bill Summary · SB 2281

Legislative bill overview

SB 2281 establishes regulatory frameworks and standards for the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare settings throughout Hawaii. The bill has passed committee reviews with amendments from both Health and Human Services (HHS) and Labor and Business and Technology (LBT) committees. It is currently advancing through the legislative process toward further consideration.

Why is this important

AI applications in healthcare—including diagnostic tools, treatment recommendations, and administrative systems—are expanding rapidly, and Hawaii residents deserve clarity on safety, accuracy, and accountability standards. Without clear regulations, patients could face risks from unvalidated AI systems, algorithmic bias in treatment decisions, or inadequate oversight of these powerful technologies in medical settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and definition clarity: Determining which healthcare AI applications require regulation versus which can operate with minimal oversight, and whether the definitions are precise enough to avoid unintended consequences
  • Implementation burden on providers: Healthcare facilities may face significant compliance costs, staff training requirements, and administrative overhead that could disproportionately affect smaller practices or rural hospitals
  • Innovation versus precaution: Balancing regulatory protections against the risk of slowing beneficial AI development and adoption that could improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency
  • Data privacy and security: Establishing adequate safeguards for patient data used in AI systems without creating barriers that prevent legitimate research and development

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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