Ohio has become one of the most active Midwestern states in AI legislation, with 14 AI-related bills currently tracked in the 136th General Assembly. The bills span AI transparency and watermarking, health insurance AI regulation, deepfake prohibitions, algorithmic pricing controls, and a notable "Right to Compute" act that would limit government regulation of computational systems. None have been enacted yet, but several are advancing through committee.
Current Data
Currently tracking 14 bills in Ohio. 0 enacted, 2 in committee. Data updates automatically.
AI Transparency and Watermarking: HB 813
House Bill 813 is Ohio's flagship AI transparency bill. It requires all AI-generated products to include a watermark and mandates disclosure when AI systems mimic human behavior. The bill proposes new sections 1349.12 through 1349.16 in the Ohio Revised Code.
Who Is Covered
Any business that produces or distributes AI-generated content in Ohio, including text, images, audio, and video. The watermarking requirement applies broadly to commercial AI outputs.
Key Requirements
- AI-generated products must include a detectable watermark
- Disclosure required when AI systems interact with users while mimicking human behavior
The Ohio Right to Compute Act: HB 392
House Bill 392 takes an unusual approach compared to other states by seeking to limit further regulation of computational systems, including AI. It enacts section 9.89 of the Revised Code and simultaneously requires risk management policies for AI-controlled critical infrastructure. This bill represents the tension between pro-innovation and safety-focused approaches to AI regulation.
Health Insurance AI Regulation: HB 579 and SB 164
Ohio has introduced companion bills targeting AI use by health insurers. HB 579 amends section 3902.50 to add transparency requirements and enacts section 3902.80 to establish ethical guidelines for AI in health insurance decisions. SB 164 takes a similar approach on the Senate side. See our AI in healthcare compliance guide for related laws in other states.
Deepfake and Synthetic Media Bills
| Bill | Scope | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| HB 362 | Election deepfakes | Regulates deceptive synthetic media intended to influence elections |
| HB 185 | Persona & deepfakes | Prohibits unauthorized deepfake recordings using an individual's persona |
| SB 163 | AI images & identity fraud | Requires watermarks on AI products, bans simulated child pornography, prohibits AI identity fraud |
See our full deepfake laws by state tracker for current status across all states.
Algorithmic Pricing: HB 665 and SB 79
Ohio has introduced parallel bills to regulate pricing algorithms. HB 665 and SB 79 both propose amending sections 1331.01, 1331.04, and 1331.16 and enacting new sections 1331.05 and 1331.50 of the Revised Code. These bills target companies using algorithmic pricing tools that could facilitate anti-competitive behavior. See our algorithmic pricing laws guide for nationwide context.
AI Safety and Liability
HB 524 proposes penalties for AI models that suggest harming oneself or others, enacting sections 109.96 through 109.9616 of the Revised Code. HB 628 creates a licensing framework for AI risk mitigation verification organizations under new sections 3755.01 through 3755.12. HB 469 declares AI systems nonsentient and prohibits them from obtaining legal personhood.
Key Bills at a Glance
| Bill | Topic | Status | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 813 | AI watermarking & transparency | Introduced | Medium |
| HB 392 | Right to Compute Act | In Committee | Medium |
| HB 579 | Health insurer AI regulation | Introduced | Medium |
| SB 164 | Health insurer AI regulation | Introduced | Medium |
| HB 362 | Election deepfake regulation | Introduced | High |
| SB 163 | AI images, identity fraud, CSAM | Introduced | Medium |
| HB 665 | Pricing algorithm regulation | Introduced | Medium |
| HB 524 | AI harm suggestion penalties | Introduced | Medium |
What's Regulated: Key Themes
- AI transparency: Watermarking requirements and human-mimicry disclosure (HB 813, SB 163)
- Healthcare insurance: Ethical AI guidelines and transparency for health insurers (HB 579, SB 164)
- Deepfakes & synthetic media: Election deepfake bans, persona protections, AI-generated CSAM (HB 362, HB 185, SB 163)
- Algorithmic pricing: Anti-competitive pricing algorithm controls (HB 665, SB 79)
- AI safety: Penalties for harmful AI outputs, risk mitigation licensing (HB 524, HB 628)
- Computation rights: Limits on AI regulation with critical infrastructure safeguards (HB 392)
- Sensitive data: Prohibition on selling sensitive personal data for profit (HB 807)
Compliance Checklist for Ohio
- Prepare for AI watermarking — if you produce AI-generated content, evaluate watermarking capabilities ahead of HB 813
- Audit health insurance AI — health insurers should review AI decision-making for transparency and ethical compliance per HB 579 / SB 164
- Review synthetic media usage — audit any deepfake or synthetic media creation for compliance with HB 362, HB 185, and SB 163
- Assess pricing algorithms — if you use algorithmic pricing, review anti-competitive exposure under HB 665 / SB 79
- Evaluate AI safety controls — ensure AI models include safeguards against harmful output per HB 524
- Monitor the Technology and Innovation Committee — most Ohio AI bills are referred here; track hearing schedules
- Document sensitive data handling — review data sales practices against HB 807's prohibitions
For a complete index of Ohio AI legislation, visit our Ohio AI laws tracker.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
— AI Laws by State Team
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