SB1618Introduced in the Senate
Relating To Journalism.
Introduced by Donna Kim, District 14
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Establishes a Journalistic Ethics Commission within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Establishes a Journalistic Code of Ethics. Requires news media outlets to provide training in the ethics of journalism to journalists and editors in their employ. Establishes a Journalistic Ethics Review Board to be administratively attached to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Requires the Journalistic Ethics Review Board to handle complaints and appeals regarding violations of the Journalistic Code of Ethics. Requires the Journalistic Ethics Commission to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Establishes penalties for violations. Requires the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii to conduct an analysis of the journalism program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Social Sciences. Requires the Board of Regents to report to the Legislature.
Where it stands
Re-Referred to CPN/EDU, JDC/WAM.
January 21, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
Bill history
Introduced.
Passed First Reading.
Referred to CPN/HRE, JDC/WAM.
Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Re-Referred to CPN/EDU, JDC/WAM.
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