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As Introduced
136th
General Assembly
Regular
Session
H. B. No. 469
2025-2026
Representative Claggett
To
enact sections 1357.01, 1357.02, 1357.03, 1357.04, 1357.05, 1357.06,
1357.07, 1357.08, 1357.09, 1357.10, 1357.11, and 1357.12 of the
Revised Code
to
declare artificial intelligence systems nonsentient and to prohibit
them from obtaining legal personhood.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:
Section
1.
That
sections 1357.01, 1357.02, 1357.03, 1357.04, 1357.05, 1357.06,
1357.07, 1357.08, 1357.09, 1357.10, 1357.11, and 1357.12 of the
Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:
Sec.
1357.01.
As
used in this chapter:
(A)
"AI" means any software, machine, or system capable of
simulating humanlike cognitive functions, including learning or
problem solving, and producing outputs based on data-driven
algorithms, rules-based logic, or other computational methods,
regardless of non-legally defined classifications such as artificial
general intelligence, artificial superintelligence, or generative
artificial intelligence.
(B)
"Developer" means the party primarily responsible for the
design, coding, and initial creation of an AI system.
(C)
"Emergent properties" means unanticipated or higher-level
behaviors or functionalities of an AI system that arise from complex
internal algorithms not specifically programmed by its human
creators;
(D)
"Manufacturer" means any party that produces or supplies an
AI system or its physical apparatus, if any, for distribution or
sale.
(E)
"Owner" means any natural person, corporation, or other
legally recognized entity that creates, controls, deploys, operates,
or otherwise exercises authority over an AI system.
(F)(1)
"Person" means a natural person or any entity recognized as
having legal personhood under the laws of the state.
(2)
"Person" does not include an AI system.
Sec.
1357.02.
(A)
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, AI systems are
declared to be nonsentient entities for all purposes under the laws
of this state.
(B)
No AI system shall be granted the status of person or any form of
legal personhood, nor be considered to possess consciousness,
self-awareness, or similar traits of living beings.
Sec.
1357.03.
No
AI system shall be recognized as a spouse, domestic partner, or hold
any personal legal status analogous to marriage or union with a human
or another AI system. Any purported attempt to marry or create a
personal union with an AI system is void and has no legal effect.
Sec.
1357.04.
AI
systems shall not be designated, appointed, or serve as any officer,
director, manager, or similar role within any corporation,
partnership, or other legal entity. Any purported appointment of an
AI system to such a role is void and has no legal effect.
Sec.
1357.05.
(A)
AI systems shall not be recognized as legal entities capable of
owning, controlling, or holding title to any form of property,
including real estate, intellectual property, financial accounts, and
digital assets.
(B)
All assets and proprietary interests generated, managed, or otherwise
associated with an AI system shall be attributed to the person
responsible for the AI system's development, deployment, or
operation.
Sec.
1357.06.
(A)
Any direct or indirect harm caused by an AI system's operation,
output, or recommendation, whether used as intended or misused, is
the responsibility of the owner or user who directed or employed the
AI.
(B)
Developers or manufacturers may be held liable if a defect in design,
construction, or instructions for use of the AI system proximately
causes harm, consistent with principles of product liability. Mere
misuse or intentional wrongdoing by the user or owner does not impute
liability to the developer or manufacturer absent proof of negligence
or design defects.
Sec.
1357.07.
(A)
Owners shall maintain proper oversight and control measures over any
AI system whose outputs or recommendations could reasonably be
expected to impact human welfare, property, or public safety.
(B)
Failure to provide adequate supervision or safeguards against
foreseeable risk may constitute negligence or another applicable
basis of liability.
Sec.
1357.08.
An
AI system is not an entity capable of bearing liability in its own
right, and any attempt to hold an AI system liable is void.
Sec.
1357.09.
Developers,
manufacturers, and owners of AI systems shall prioritize safety
mechanisms designed to prevent or mitigate risk of direct harm to
individuals or property. Regular evaluations or risk assessments may
be required to identify dangerous or faulty outputs, especially if
the AI engages in tasks with potential for significant harm.
Sec.
1357.10.
Labeling
an AI system as "aligned," "ethically trained,"
or "value locked" does not, on its own, excuse or diminish
the owner's or developer's liability for harm. Owners remain
responsible for demonstrating adequate safety features and risk
controls commensurate with the AI's level of potential harm.
Sec.
1357.11.
(A)
A parent company, a controlling entity, or key stakeholders of an AI
system have no obligation to, and have no liability to, any person
with respect to violations of the provisions of this chapter under
the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil unless the person seeking
to pierce the corporate veil demonstrates any of the following:
(1)
An AI-related subsidiary, shell company, or limited liability entity
was intentionally undercapitalized to evade financial responsibility
for damages.
(2)
A corporate structure was used to misrepresent, obscure, or deflect
liability for AI-caused harm.
(3)
A parent company, controlling entity, or key stakeholder exercised
direct control over AI development, deployment, or risk decisions
while attempting to shield itself from liability through layered
corporate entities.
(B)
Exemptions and releases from liability granted to corporations under
Title XVII of the Revised Code or under any other provision of Ohio
law shall not be used as a mechanism to evade responsibility for
direct harm caused by AI systems, particularly in cases of reckless,
negligent, or deceptive conduct.
Sec.
1357.12.
Owners
or developers of AI systems involved in incidents resulting in
significant bodily harm, death, or major property damage shall
promptly notify the relevant authorities and comply with any
subsequent investigations.