Missouri HB 1769: Establishes the "AI Non-Sentience and Responsibility Act"

Bill Text

SECOND REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE BILL NO. 1769
103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE AMATO.
4626H.01I JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to artificial
intelligence.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 1, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be
2 known as section 1.2045, to read as follows:
1.2045. 1. The provisions of this section shall be known and may be cited as the
2 "AI Non-Sentience and Responsibility Act".
3 2. For purposes of this section, the following terms mean:
4 (1) "Artificial intelligence" or "AI", any software, machine, or system capable of
5 simulating human-like cognitive functions including, but not limited to, learning or
6 problem solving, and producing outputs based on data-driven algorithms, rules-based
7 logic, or other computational methods, regardless of non-legally defined classifications
8 such as artificial general intelligence (AGI), artificial superintelligence (ASI), or
9 generative artificial intelligence (GAI);
10 (2) "Developer", the party or parties primarily responsible for the design,
11 coding, and initial creation of an AI system;
12 (3) "Emergent properties", unanticipated or higher-level behaviors or
13 functionalities of an AI system that arise from complex internal algorithms not
14 specifically programmed by its human creators;
15 (4) "Manufacturer", any party that produces or supplies an AI system or its
16 physical apparatus, if any, for distribution or sale;
EXPLANATION — Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is
intended to be omitted from the law. Matter in bold-face type in the above bill is proposed language.

17 (5) "Owner", any natural person, corporation, or other legally recognized entity
18 that creates, controls, deploys, operates, or otherwise exercises authority over an AI
19 system;
20 (6) "Person", a natural person or any entity recognized as having legal
21 personhood under the laws of the state, explicitly excluding any AI system.
22 3. For all purposes under state law, AI systems are declared to be non-sentient
23 entities.
24 4. No AI system shall be granted the status of a person or any form of legal
25 personhood, nor be considered to possess consciousness, self-awareness, or similar traits
26 of living beings.
27 5. No AI system shall be recognized as a spouse, domestic partner, or hold any
28 personal legal status analogous to marriage or union with a human or another AI
29 system. Any purported attempt to marry or create a personal union with an AI system
30 is void and shall have no legal effect.
31 6. AI systems shall not be designated, appointed, or serve as any officer, director,
32 manager, or similar role within any corporation, partnership, or other legal entity. Any
33 purported appointment of an AI system to such a role is void and has no legal effect.
34 7. AI systems shall not be recognized as legal entities capable of owning,
35 controlling, or holding title to any form of property including, but not limited to, real
36 estate, intellectual property, financial accounts, and digital assets. All assets and
37 proprietary interests generated, managed, or otherwise associated with AI shall be
38 attributed to the human individuals or legally recognized organizations responsible for
39 their development, deployment, or operation.
40 8. Any direct or indirect harm caused by an AI system's operation, output, or
41 recommendation, when used as intended or misused, shall be the responsibility of the
42 owner or user who directed or employed the AI. Developers or manufacturers may be
43 held liable if a defect in design, construction, or instructions for use of the AI system
44 proximately causes harm, consistent with product liability principles; however, mere
45 misuse or intentional wrongdoing by the user or owner shall not impute liability to the
46 developer or the manufacturer absent proof of negligence or design defects.
47 9. Owners shall maintain proper oversight and control measures over any AI
48 system whose outputs or recommendations could reasonably be expected to impact
49 human welfare, property, or public safety. Failure to provide adequate supervision or
50 safeguards against foreseeable risks may constitute negligence or another applicable
51 basis of liability.
HB 1769 2

52 10. An AI system is not an entity capable of bearing fault or liability in its own
53 right. Any attempt to shift blame solely onto an AI system shall be void as liability
54 remains with human actors or entities as described in this section.
55 11. Developers, manufacturers, and owners of AI systems shall prioritize safety
56 mechanisms designed to prevent or mitigate risk of direct harm to individuals or
57 property. Regular evaluations or risk assessments may be required to identify
58 dangerous or faulty outputs, especially if the AI engages in t