OH HB665: Regulate the use of pricing algorithms

In one paragraph

Ohio's HB 665 (as introduced) would amend Ohio's antitrust law (R.C. Chapter 1331) to bar using or distributing a pricing algorithm, including one derived from machine learning or AI, that uses or is trained with nonpublic competitor data, and would presume an illegal agreement in certain cases where the same algorithm is distributed to or used by others in the same or a related market. Enterprises with $5 million or more in gross receipts would have to disclose algorithmic pricing to customers, employees and contractors. Introduced January 29, 2026 and referred February 4, 2026 to the House Technology and Innovation Committee; it has not passed either house.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

None yet: the bill has not been enacted. If enacted, businesses using or selling pricing software could not use nonpublic competitor data, and larger enterprises would have to disclose algorithmic pricing.

Key provisions

1. 1Pricing algorithm: any computational process, including one derived from machine learning or other AI techniques, that processes data to recommend or set a price or commercial term in or affecting commerce in Ohio
2. 2New section 1331.05(B): no person could use or distribute a pricing algorithm that uses, incorporates or is trained with nonpublic competitor data; a violation would be an illegal conspiracy against trade under section 1331.04
3. 3Section 1331.05(C)-(E): courts would presume an agreement against trade if the defendant distributed the algorithm to two or more persons and intended it to be used, or two or more persons used it, to set prices in the same or a related market, or if the defendant used it while another person used it in the same or a related market; a defendant that did not develop or distribute it could rebut by clear and convincing evidence of no actual or reasonable knowledge; distributors that knew or could reasonably have known would be jointly and severally liable in civil cases
4. 4Section 1331.16 would extend the Attorney General's investigative demands to information on the development or distribution of a pricing algorithm
5. 5New section 1331.50: an enterprise with $5 million or more in gross receipts that uses a pricing algorithm to recommend or set a price or commercial term would have to disclose this clearly to customers before purchase and to employees and independent contractors, stating whether prices differ across similar customers or workers and who developed or distributed the algorithm
6. 6A violation of section 1331.50 would be an unfair or deceptive act under section 1345.02
7. 7Status: introduced January 29, 2026; referred February 4, 2026 to the House Technology and Innovation Committee; not passed by either chamber

Latest legislative action

Feb 4, 2026. Referred to committee (Technology and Innovation)

Sponsors (showing 5 of 45)

Related and companion bills

• Ohio SB79Regulate the use of pricing algorithms