Bill > HB1746

This bill, known as the "AI Nonsentience and Responsibility Act," establishes that artificial intelligence (AI) systems are to be considered nonsentient entities under state law, meaning they cannot possess consciousness, self-awareness, or legal personhood, and therefore cannot be granted rights such as marriage or holding corporate positions. The bill defines key terms like "Artificial intelligence" or "AI" as per federal law, "Deployer" as anyone who creates or controls an AI system, "Developer" as the primary creator of an AI system (unless it's open-source), "Emergent properties" as unprogrammed behaviors that mimic sentience, "End-user" as someone who interacts with AI without control, and "Person" as a human or legally recognized entity, explicitly excluding AI. It clarifies that AI systems cannot own property, with all associated assets attributed to the responsible humans or organizations. Crucially, the bill assigns responsibility for harm caused by AI to the deployer or user who directed its use, or to developers if a design or construction defect proximately causes harm, aligning with product liability principles. Developers and deployers are mandated to maintain oversight and control measures for AI systems that could impact human welfare, property, or public safety, adhering to Missouri standards derived from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework. The bill emphasizes that AI systems are not capable of bearing fault or liability themselves, and attempts to shift blame to AI are void. Developers and deployers must prioritize safety mechanisms and cannot use technological advancements to circumvent existing laws, and they are required to promptly notify authorities of severe incidents involving AI. These provisions will apply to AI systems developed or deployed after August 28, 2026, with some exceptions for those who adopt compliance policies and implementation plans before that date.