Missouri AI Non-Sentience Bill Dies in Committee
Missouri’s “AI Non-Sentience and Responsibility Act” Fails to Advance
Bill died in Emerging Issues Committee despite provisions similar to Ohio legislation
PORTLAND, Ore. (December 10, 2025) — Missouri House Bill 1462, known as the “AI Non-Sentience and Responsibility Act,” died in committee on May 15, 2025, after being referred to the House Emerging Issues Committee. The bill, introduced by Representative Phil Amato, would have declared AI systems non-sentient and placed liability for AI-caused harm on human developers and owners.
What the Bill Would Have Done
HB 1462 was one of the more comprehensive state-level AI personhood bills proposed in 2025. Key provisions included:
Declaration of Non-Sentience: The bill explicitly declared that AI systems “shall not be considered to possess consciousness, self-awareness, or similar traits of living beings” for all purposes under state law.
Personhood Restrictions: AI systems could not be granted legal personhood, recognized as spouses or domestic partners, or hold corporate roles such as officer, director, or manager. Any such designations would be void.
Property Prohibition: AI systems could not own, control, or hold title to any property, including real estate, intellectual property, financial accounts, or digital assets. All assets associated with AI must be attributed to human individuals or legally recognized organizations.
Human Accountability: The bill placed legal responsibility for AI actions on human owners, users, developers, and manufacturers. Owners would be responsible for harm caused by AI when used as intended or misused. Developers and manufacturers could be held liable for design defects.
Safety Requirements: Developers and manufacturers would be required to prioritize safety mechanisms to prevent harm to individuals or property.
Incident Reporting: The bill mandated prompt reporting of severe AI-related incidents.
If enacted, the provisions would have applied to all AI systems developed, owned, deployed, or operated in Missouri on or after August 28, 2025.
Current Status
HB 1462 was introduced on February 26, 2025 and passed its second reading the same day. It was referred to the House Emerging Issues Committee on May 15, 2025, where it died without receiving a hearing or vote.
Representative Amato has not made public statements explaining the bill’s provisions or responding to its failure to advance.
Why This Matters
Missouri’s bill was notable for combining two policy approaches: the categorical denial of AI consciousness found in Ohio’s HB 469, and detailed liability frameworks for AI-caused harm. The bill’s failure leaves Missouri without specific legislation addressing AI personhood or consciousness.
The Emerging Issues Committee did not publicly explain why the bill failed to advance. The 2025 legislative session ended in May.
What We Say
“Missouri’s bill dying in committee doesn’t mean the issue goes away,” said Tony Rost, Executive Director at the Harder Problem Action Fund. “HB 1462 contained sensible liability provisions alongside problematic consciousness declarations. We would have opposed the consciousness provisions while supporting clear accountability frameworks. Future legislation should separate these issues: establish liability rules now, and leave questions about AI consciousness to ongoing scientific inquiry.”
Resources for Journalists
The Harder Problem Action Fund can provide:
- Full text of HB 1462 as introduced
- Comparison with similar legislation in other states
- Analysis of AI liability frameworks
- Background on AI consciousness policy considerations
Interview requests: press@harderproblem.org
About the Harder Problem Action Fund
The Harder Problem Action Fund is an advocacy organization fighting for evidence-based AI consciousness policy. We track legislation, score bills, and mobilize opposition to laws that prematurely foreclose how society can respond to questions about digital consciousness.
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