SB 859 — Creates provisions relating to artificial intelligence
Last action — Hearing Conducted S General Laws Committee
-
✓Introduced
-
2In Committee
-
3Passed Senate
-
4Passed House
-
5To Executive
-
6Enacted
This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced December 01, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the Senate.
Odds of enactment
Low chanceBased on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.
Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.
A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.
Prognosis
-
In Committee
Current position in the legislative process.
-
1 sponsor
1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.
Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.
Summary
SB 859 - The act establishes the "AI Non-Sentience and Responsibility Act". The act provides that an artificial intelligence (AI) system shall be declared a non-sentient entity and shall not be considered or recognized as a person, spouse or domestic partner, or designated, appointed, or serve as any officer, director, manager, or similar role within any company. AI systems shall not be recognized as legal entities capable of owning title to property, as described in the act. Any assets associated with the AI system shall be attributed to human individuals or organizations responsible for the AI's development, deployment, or operation. Any harm caused by an AI system shall be the responsibility of the owner or user of the AI system, as described in the act. Owners of AI systems shall maintain proper oversight and control measures over any AI system if its outputs or recommendations could reasonably be expected to impact human welfare, property, or public safety. Failure to provide such oversight may constitute negligence or another basis of liability. Any attempt to shift blame on an AI system shall be void. Developers, manufacturers, and owners of AI systems shall develop safety mechanisms to prevent harm to individuals or property, as described in the act. If an AI system causes significant harm, courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold parent companies accountable for the harm, as described in the act. Liability protections under corporate law shall not be used to evade responsibility for direct harm caused by AI systems. Owners or developers of AI systems involved in severe incidents resulting in significant bodily harm, death, or property damage, shall notify the relevant authorities and comply with any subsequent investigations. The provisions of the act shall apply to all AI systems developed, owned, deployed, or operated on or after August 28, 2026. The act is substantially similar to SB 1474 (2026), similar to HCS/HBs 1746 & 1769 (2026), has a provision similar to a provision in SS#2/SCS/SB 1012 (2026). JULIA SHEVELEVA
Bill Text
- Introduced 4600S.01I - Introduced Current pdf
Action History
-
Hearing Conducted S General Laws Committee
-
Second Read and Referred S General Laws Committee
-
S First Read
-
Prefiled
Sponsors
- Mike Moon · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 198 not signed on
Sponsors (1)
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (198)
198 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 198 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- What does SB 859 do?
- SB 859 - The act establishes the "AI Non-Sentience and Responsibility Act". The act provides that an artificial intelligence (AI) system shall be declared a non-sentient entity and shall not be considered or recognized as a person, spouse or domestic partner, or designated, appointed, or serve as any officer, director, manager, or similar role within any company. AI systems shall not be recognized as legal entities capable of owning title to property, as described in the act. Any assets associated with the AI system shall be attributed to human individuals or organizations responsible for the AI's development, deployment, or operation. Any harm caused by an AI system shall be the responsibility of the owner or user of the AI system, as described in the act. Owners of AI systems shall maintain proper oversight and control measures over any AI system if its outputs or recommendations could reasonably be expected to impact human welfare, property, or public safety. Failure to provide such oversight may constitute negligence or another basis of liability. Any attempt to shift blame on an AI system shall be void. Developers, manufacturers, and owners of AI systems shall develop safety mechanisms to prevent harm to individuals or property, as described in the act. If an AI system causes significant harm, courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold parent companies accountable for the harm, as described in the act. Liability protections under corporate law shall not be used to evade responsibility for direct harm caused by AI systems. Owners or developers of AI systems involved in severe incidents resulting in significant bodily harm, death, or property damage, shall notify the relevant authorities and comply with any subsequent investigations. The provisions of the act shall apply to all AI systems developed, owned, deployed, or operated on or after August 28, 2026. The act is substantially similar to SB 1474 (2026), similar to HCS/HBs 1746 & 1769 (2026), has a provision similar to a provision in SS#2/SCS/SB 1012 (2026). JULIA SHEVELEVA
- Who sponsors SB 859?
- SB 859 is sponsored by Mike Moon.
- What is the current status of SB 859?
- This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced December 01, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
- Where can I track SB 859?
- Track SB 859 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
Make your voice heard on SB 859
Find the representatives who decide this bill and tell them where you stand — for yourself, or mobilize your whole list in one click with One Click Politics advocacy software.
Stay ahead of SB 859
Last checked for changes about 2 months ago · updated continuously
One Click Politics tracks every bill in Congress and all 50 states.
Track this bill →