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HB 469

Declare A.I. systems nonsentient; prohibit legal personhood

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Thad Claggett

HB 469 defines A.I. systems as nonsentient, prohibiting them from legal personhood, ensuring accountability falls on their human developers and operators.

Referred to committee
#commerce #technology
6
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 469

Summary of Bill HB 469

Title

Declare A.I. systems nonsentient; prohibit legal personhood

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 469
  • Status: Refer to Committee
  • Introduced On: September 23, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Commerce, Technology

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 469 is to establish a legal framework that explicitly defines artificial intelligence (A.I.) systems as nonsentient entities. The bill seeks to prohibit the recognition of A.I. systems as having legal personhood, which would prevent them from being granted rights or responsibilities typically associated with human beings or legal entities.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of Nonsentience: The bill asserts that A.I. systems do not possess consciousness, emotions, or self-awareness, thereby categorizing them as nonsentient.
  • Prohibition of Legal Personhood: The legislation explicitly states that A.I. systems cannot be granted legal personhood, meaning they cannot hold rights or obligations under the law.
  • Implications for Liability and Accountability: By defining A.I. as nonsentient, the bill clarifies that any legal accountability for actions taken by A.I. systems would fall on their human operators or developers, rather than the A.I. itself.

Affected Parties

  • A.I. Developers and Companies: The bill will directly impact businesses and individuals involved in the development and deployment of A.I. technologies, as it clarifies the legal status of their products.
  • Legal Professionals: Lawyers and legal scholars will need to adapt their understanding of liability and rights concerning A.I. systems in light of this legislation.
  • Consumers and Users of A.I. Technologies: Individuals and organizations that utilize A.I. systems will be affected by the implications of liability and accountability as outlined in the bill.

Procedural Aspects

  • Committee Review: As of October 1, 2025, the bill has been referred to committee for further discussion and analysis. The outcome of this review will determine the next steps in the legislative process.
  • Timeline: The bill was introduced on September 23, 2025, and is currently in the early stages of legislative consideration.

Conclusion

HB 469 aims to provide clarity on the legal status of A.I. systems by declaring them nonsentient and prohibiting their recognition as legal persons. This legislation is significant for the future of A.I. regulation, liability, and the responsibilities of developers and users in the evolving landscape of technology.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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