SB 2686 Summary

• Creates a new criminal offense of "unlawful publication of personal information" prohibiting any person or organization from knowingly disclosing protected personal information of public officials with intent to cause reputational harm, emotional injury, or bodily injury.

• Violation of the unlawful publication statute is a misdemeanor; if the violation results in actual reputational harm, emotional injury, or bodily injury to the public official, their spouse, or child, it becomes a Class C felony.

• Establishes protections within Hawaii's Address Confidentiality Program allowing covered public servants to submit written requests prohibiting disclosure of their protected personal information, which must be removed from the Internet within 72 hours of request.

• Defines "covered public servant" to include the governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, judges (active, formerly active, or retired at state and federal levels), election officials, and persons designated for good cause by the governor or chief justice.

• Defines "protected personal information" to include home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, property ownership information, children's school locations, children's identities if under 18, vehicle license plates, and family members' employer information.

• Takes effect September 1, 2024.