In one paragraph
The Ohio Right to Compute Act would bar state agencies and local governments from restricting anyone's lawful use, development, deployment or possession of computing resources, including AI and machine learning systems, unless the restriction is narrowly tailored to a compelling governmental interest, such as critical infrastructure reliability, fraud, protecting minors from nonconsensual deepfakes, or rules for employees' AI use. Anyone operating an AI system that controls critical infrastructure would need a risk management policy following the NIST AI framework or another recognized standard. The House Technology and Innovation Committee reported an amended version on June 10, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
If enacted, Ohio state and local AI or computing rules would need a compelling interest, and operators of AI controlling critical infrastructure would need a NIST-style risk policy.
Key provisions
- New R.C. 9.89: state agencies and political subdivisions may not restrict lawful use, development, deployment or possession of a computational resource unless narrowly tailored to a compelling governmental interest
- 'Computational resource' includes hardware, software, algorithms, cryptography, AI and machine learning systems and quantum computing tools
- Compelling interests listed include critical infrastructure reliability, deception and fraud, protecting minors and vulnerable people from nonconsensual deepfakes, computing-infrastructure nuisances, and governing employees' AI use
- Operators of AI systems that control critical infrastructure must adopt a risk management policy meeting federal rules and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework or another recognized AI risk standard
- Exempt: AI limited to procedural or preparatory tasks or to carrying out decisions already made by a human, and pure antivirus, antimalware or cybersecurity tools
- Does not affect patent, trademark, copyright or trade secret rights
- Introduced July 7, 2025; reported as amended by House Technology and Innovation on June 10, 2026
Latest legislative action
Jun 10, 2026. Reported - Amended
Sponsors
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Steve Demetriou | Primary |
| Tex Fischer | Primary |
| Ty D. Mathews | Cosponsor |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error