Artificial intelligence feels inescapable these days. But here in Ohio, one lawmaker wants to make sure it doesn’t start acting like a person.
Rep. Thaddeus Claggett, R-Licking, introduced House Bill 469 in late September to declare AI systems “nonsentient entities” and to prevent them from gaining legal personhood.
The bill, now referred to the House Technology and Innovation Committee, also makes it illegal for anyone to marry an AI system, or for AI to hold personal legal status similar to marriage.
The legislation defines AI broadly, covering anything that simulates humanlike cognitive functions, including learning, problem-solving, or producing outputs through algorithms.
Essentially, that covers chatbots, generative AI, and more advanced systems. AI would also be barred from serving as corporate officers, owning property, or controlling financial accounts. Any harm caused by AI would be the responsibility of the humans who deploy or develop it.
A recent Fractl survey of 1,000 AI users found that 22% of respondents say they’ve formed an emotional connection with a chatbot, and 3% even consider one a romantic partner. “People need to understand the extreme risk,” Claggett told NBC4, explaining that the law is about keeping AI from taking on roles traditionally held by humans, like managing finances, making medical decisions, or forming legal unions.
“This isn’t about marching down the aisle with a robot,” Claggett said. “It could happen, but that’s not really what we’re saying. We want to make sure humans are always in charge of these systems.”
The bill’s broader focus appears to be on accountability.
Developers, manufacturers, and owners must prioritize safety measures and maintain oversight. AI cannot be held liable for damages and responsibility rests squarely on the humans behind it. Claggett cited Utah’s 2024 law barring AI from legal personhood and a similar Missouri proposal as influences on Ohio’s approach.
AI is expanding quickly in Ohio, from classroom policies to data centers powering advanced systems. HB 469 is the state’s attempt to set guardrails before the technology becomes too entwined in legal, financial, or personal matters.
Whether Ohioans will ever try to wed their favorite chatbot is still a fringe scenario, but HB 469 bill makes it clear: in Ohio, humans, not AI, are calling the shots.
Featured image by Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash.
