THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2121
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to emergency announcements.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§127A-   Official announcements; proclamations; emergencies; American Sign Language interpreter; display; requirements; picture-in-picture required. (a) Whenever the governor or mayor, as applicable, makes a proclamation pursuant to this chapter, the governor or mayor shall provide an American Sign Language interpreter who is certified by a nationally or state recognized credentialing authority at each live broadcast press conference during the state of emergency. To the greatest extent possible, the governor or mayor shall ensure that the American Sign Language interpreter is physically positioned in a manner so that the interpreter's face, body, arms, and hands are always visible during a television or internet broadcast of the press conference.

(b) A news media outlet that broadcasts or rebroadcasts an official announcement made live by an elected official or head of an emergency agency via television or the Internet shall display the American Sign Language interpreter in an on-screen picture‑in‑picture window for the full duration of the announcement."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Emergency; Official Announcements; Broadcast Media; American Sign Language; Sign Language Interpreter

Description:

Requires the Governor or mayor of a county to provide an American Sign Language interpreter during each official announcement broadcast via television or the Internet during a state of emergency. Requires the Governor or mayor of a county to ensure, to the fullest extent possible, that the American Sign Language interpreter's face, body, arms, and hands are visible during the broadcast. Requires a news media outlet to display the American Sign Language interpreter in a picture-in-picture window during broadcasts of official emergency announcements.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.