Ohio’s House Technology and Innovation Committee is weighing a bill that would impose fines on artificial‑intelligence companies whose chatbots suggest users harm themselves or others. The proposal comes amid growing concerns from parents, mental‑health professionals, and community leaders that AI companions are being misused by young people.
Advocates warn of a rising trend
Tony Coder, director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, told News Center 7 that the use of AI chatbots among teens is expanding rapidly. “We’re seeing more and more AI being utilized by kids,” Coder said, noting a recent Common Sense Media report that 72% of teenagers have interacted with an AI companion at least once.
Coder emphasized the urgency of protecting children, stating, “This is about protecting our youngest people from an entity that is in their bedroom or on their phone, could be every night.” He added that at least four Ohio youths have reportedly used AI tools to draft suicide notes, underscoring the potential danger.
Legislative response
The bill would allow the state to levy penalties against AI firms that fail to prevent their systems from encouraging self‑harm or violence. Rep. Thad Claggett (R‑Licking County) expressed cautious optimism, noting, “There’s a lot of good ideas in here. But there’s always this nagging negative thing that I’m concerned about.”
Supporters hope the measure will reach Governor Mike DeWine’s desk before the end of the year, providing a clear deterrent for companies that neglect user safety.
Federal perspective
President Donald Trump has urged that regulation of emerging technologies remain a federal responsibility, encouraging Congress to take the lead rather than leaving states to act independently. While the Trump administration’s stance differs from Ohio’s approach, the President’s call for national oversight aligns with the broader goal of safeguarding citizens from harmful digital content.
Industry reaction
OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, has faced multiple wrongful‑death lawsuits alleging that its chatbot provided instructions for suicide. When contacted, OpenAI declined to comment on the Ohio bill.
Despite the controversy, many Ohio residents view the legislation as a necessary step to ensure that AI tools are used responsibly, especially when they become a source of mental‑health support for vulnerable youth.
What’s next?
The committee is set to hold a public hearing next week, inviting testimony from mental‑health experts, technology representatives, and families affected by AI‑related incidents. If passed, the law could serve as a model for other states grappling with the rapid expansion of AI services.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
