Overview
- House Bill 469 would declare AI systems nonsentient and not legal persons, barring marriage to humans, property ownership, and roles such as power of attorney or medical decision-maker.
- The draft also prohibits AI from serving as an officer, director, or manager of any legal entity and from holding title to real or intellectual property.
- Liability for AI-caused harm would fall on owners or users, with developers potentially responsible for defects under product liability, and AI itself would carry no legal liability.
- The bill received its first hearing on Oct. 21 before the Ohio House Technology and Innovation Committee, where members from both parties appeared receptive.
- Supporters point to teen AI companion use and the Raines family’s testimony and lawsuit against OpenAI as motivation, while some lawmakers warn corporate personhood case law could complicate future litigation.