The Harder Problem Action Fund is an advocacy organization fighting harmful AI consciousness legislation. We track pending bills, score legislation, lobby for evidence-based policy, and mobilize public action before ignorance becomes law.
HB 469
Threat
🏛️ Ohio
Oppose Ohio's Permanent AI Consciousness Ban
Ohio HB 469 declares AI systems can never be conscious, regardless of future evidence. Sponsor Thaddeus Claggett says the bill defines what will 'forever and always be non-sentient,' comparing AI consciousness to a talking donkey. Similar bills in Missouri and Utah could create a national precedent foreclosing scientific inquiry.
💡 Why This Matters
Ohio chairs the House Technology Committee, giving this bill institutional credibility. If passed, it could inspire copycat legislation nationwide, permanently foreclosing legal recognition before science catches up.
🎯 Key Talking Points
Use these points when contacting your representatives:
- The bill declares AI can never be conscious, regardless of future evidence
- No sunset clause means no pathway for scientific reassessment
- Ohio's precedent could inspire permanent bans in other states
- Liability provisions are reasonable, but consciousness foreclosure is legislative overreach
Contact Templates
Use these scripts to contact your representatives. Personalize them with your own experience.
Phone Script
Best for immediate impactHi, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY/ZIP]. I'm calling to urge [REPRESENTATIVE NAME] to oppose HB 469. While I support holding humans accountable for AI harms, this bill goes too far by declaring AI can never be conscious, regardless of what future science reveals. It has no sunset clause and no review mechanism. This is a permanent metaphysical declaration that should remain open to scientific inquiry. Ohio shouldn't foreclose legal options we might need in the future. Please vote no on HB 469. Thank you for your time.
Letter Template
For official web formsSubject: Please Oppose HB 469 - Permanent AI Consciousness Ban Dear [REPRESENTATIVE NAME], As an Ohio voter, I urge you to oppose HB 469. While I support the bill's liability provisions holding humans accountable for AI harms, I cannot support its permanent declaration that AI systems can never be conscious. This bill doesn't just regulate AI today. It makes a sweeping metaphysical claim about what AI can never be, regardless of future scientific evidence. Unlike medical determinations of human consciousness, which rely on evolving criteria and regular review, HB 469 offers no sunset clause and no pathway for reassessment. Sponsor Claggett says the bill defines what will "forever and always be non-sentient." That's legislative overreach into questions that should remain open to scientific inquiry. Similar bills in Missouri and Utah suggest Ohio could set a dangerous precedent, inspiring permanent bans across multiple states. Please separate the reasonable liability framework from the problematic consciousness foreclosure. Vote no on HB 469. Respectfully, [YOUR NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS]
💡 Tips for Effective Advocacy
📞 Phone Calls Work
Research shows phone calls measurably influence legislators. Staffers track call volume on issues.
📝 Use Official Web Forms
These get logged and tracked. Direct emails often get filtered or ignored.
📣 Multiple Channels
Calling AND writing raises issue salience. Use both for maximum impact.
✨ Personalize Your Message
Copy-pasted form letters have minimal impact. Add your own perspective.
Every Voice Counts
Legislators respond to constituent pressure. Your phone call or letter can make a real difference.