As Introduced

136th General Assembly

Regular Session H. B. No. 469

2025-2026

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.