Regardless of how smart or human-like artificial intelligence may become, no AI system will be permitted to obtain legal “personhood” in Ohio under legislation introduced last week in the General Assembly.

“Person” would not include an AI system under House Bill 469, which also declares AI systems to be non-sentient entities — or those incapable of experiencing sensation, thought or feeling — for all purposes under state law.

As a result, HB 469 states that no AI system may be granted the status of a person or any form of legal personhood nor be considered to possess traits of living beings, such as consciousness or self-awareness. That includes being recognized as a party to marriage or union with a human or other AI systems, and serving a role within any corporation, partnership or other legal entity, such as on a board of directors or as an company officer.

AI systems also may not own, control or hold title to any form of property under HB 469, with all assets and proprietary interests generated, managed or associated with an AI system to be attributed to the person responsible for the AI system’s development, deployment or operation.

Responsibility for any harm caused by an AI system also falls to the owner, developer or employer of the AI. Under HB 469, labeling an AI system as “aligned,” “ethically trained” or “value locked” does not excuse or diminish the owner’s or developer’s liability for harm. An AI system is not an entity capable of bearing liability in its own right, under the bill, and any attempt to hold an AI system liable is void.

HB 469 is sponsored by Republican Rep. Thaddeus J. Claggett of Newark.