OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Government Modernization and Technology Committee on Monday unanimously passed two bills intended to safeguard Oklahomans when artificial intelligence (AI) is used.

Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, is the chairman of the committee and the author of House Bill 3545 and House Bill 3546. The measures seek to ensure state agencies use AI responsibly with human oversight and clarify that artificial intelligence systems are not persons and cannot hold legal rights.

"These common-sense protections seek to set responsible standards for the use of artificial intelligence and ensure that rights remain with people and not inanimate, non-human systems," Maynard said. "We welcome the use of emerging technologies, but only within a prudent framework. While some of this may seem like science fiction, the concerns are all too real in our current environment, and the best time to set guidelines is now."

Maynard said House Bill 3545 would establish responsible standards for state agency use of AI that would require human oversight for any high-risk decisions. The measure also would require transparency whenever AI content is used, including annual reporting so that everyone knows what AI is being used for in the state.

House Bill 3546 would make it clear that AI systems and other non-human inanimate objects will not be granted personhood in Oklahoma.

"This ensures that rights remain with people and prevents artificial intelligence from being used to claim legal standing or avoid accountability under our laws," Maynard said.

He said the measure reinforces a foundational principle reflected in the Declaration of Independence: that our rights do not come from government but are endowed by our Creator and recognized by our Constitution.

"Machines are created by man, and they must never be elevated to the status of the people they were designed to serve," Maynard said.

Both bills received unanimous do pass recommendations and now are eligible to be considered by the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development Oversight. House bills must pass in policy and oversight committees before being eligible for a vote by the full membership of the House.

Maynard has an additional bill dealing with AI that has been referred to the Civil Judiciary Committee.

House Bill 3544 would protect minors from AI systems designed to simulate human-like relationships. It would prohibit the deployment of social AI companions and human-like AI chatbots to minors and would require reasonable age certification measures, with a narrow exception for certain therapeutic tools under strict professional oversight.

Maynard said the bill reflects growing national concern, including widely reported lawsuits alleging that some AI-companion platforms foster emotional dependency in minors and, in tragic cases, encourage self-harm.