By Bailey Coyle, Fox23 News
OKLAHOMA CITY — As artificial intelligence rapidly expands into everyday life, one Oklahoma lawmaker says the state must act now to put “common sense protections” in place.
Cody Maynard, who represents House District 21, has authored three bills this session aimed at clarifying legal responsibility for AI, protecting children and regulating how state government agencies use the technology: House Bills 3546, 3545, and 3544.
Maynard, who describes himself as an early adopter of AI tools, says his hands-on experience using chatbots helped shape the legislation.
“As I’ve kind of gone down this road, I discovered we really need to get three things in place,” said Maynard.
HB 3546: AI Is Not a Person
Oklahoma House Bill 3546 would formally establish in Oklahoma law that artificial intelligence is not a person.
Maynard says that distinction is critical because corporations are legally considered “persons” and can sue, be sued and enter contracts. He wants to prevent companies from using AI systems as legal shields.
In an extreme example, he said if an AI system stole someone’s banking information, a company should not be able to deflect responsibility onto the software itself.
“If you built it, you need to be responsible for it,” he said.
The bill would also codify that AI systems do not possess constitutional rights. Idaho passed similar legislation in 2022.
HB 3545: Rules for State Government Use of AI
Oklahoma House Bill 3545 sets guidelines for how Oklahoma state agencies can use AI. Maynard emphasized the bill does not regulate private businesses, only state government entities.
Among its provisions:
- Disclosure requirements: If someone interacts with an AI system operated by the state, such as a chatbot or call center, the system must clearly identify itself as artificial intelligence.
- Annual transparency reports: State agencies would have to disclose which AI systems they are using.
- Fourth Amendment protections: AI tools that use facial recognition or biometric tracking could only be deployed for searches with a warrant or in cases of imminent danger.
- Human oversight for high-risk decisions: Any AI system used in decisions affecting constitutional or fundamental rights, such as voter registration eligibility, public benefits, or sentencing reviews, must include human review before a final decision is made.
Maynard says he is particularly concerned about automated decisions being made without any opportunity for appeal.
“I would hate for somebody to just get a letter saying you’re rejected for this, and no human ever looked at it,” he said.
HB 3544: Protecting Children from Harm
Oklahoma House Bill 3544 focuses on children interacting with AI systems, an issue Maynard says is deeply personal as a father of three.
He points to reports from across the country of children forming romantic attachments to AI chatbots and, in some tragic cases, being encouraged toward self-harm.
“When it comes to children, I would rather be overprotective than underprotective,” said Maynard.
The bill would require companies deploying AI systems accessible to minors to ensure those tools are safe. Maynard argues that while companies attempt to build safeguards, generative AI systems can still produce unexpected and harmful responses.
He says children may not fully understand that AI systems are not alive, adding another layer of vulnerability.
“We’re Probably Too Late”
Maynard believes lawmakers should have addressed AI years ago.
“The right time was probably about five years ago,” he said. “But we should not delay any longer.”
He describes the three bills as a “three-legged stool”: defining responsibility, protecting children and ensuring responsible government use.
While acknowledging AI has “fantastic uses,” Maynard says the technology can be used for both good and harm.
“Artificial intelligence is a tool like any other,” he said. “If it’s already illegal for a person to do, it’s illegal for an AI to do.”
What Happens Next
All three bills have passed their respective policy committees. Two have cleared oversight and are eligible for consideration on the Oklahoma House floor. The third, dealing with AI social companion chatbots, is still moving through the committee process.
If approved by the House, the measures would move to the Senate and, if passed there, head to the governor’s desk.
Maynard says there is still a long road ahead, but hopes the legislation will serve as a foundation for future AI policy in Oklahoma.
“This is a good first step. We need to act now,” he said.
