Oklahoma Lawmakers File Bills Regulating AI
As the 2026 legislative session approaches, Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced a series of bills aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors, including political advertising and child safety.
Senate Bill 746: Transparency in Political Advertising
One of the notable proposals is Senate Bill 746, introduced by Sen. Ally Seifried. This bill mandates candidates, political parties, and committees to disclose any political advertisements that utilize generative AI to create deceptive portrayals of real individuals. The disclosures must be clear and visible in images and videos or audible in audio content.
Seifried emphasizes the importance of transparency, stating, “As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, voters deserve to know what’s been digitally manipulated in an effort to sway their votes.” This bill aligns with similar legislation in several states, such as Alabama and Florida, that require disclaimers for AI-generated or manipulated content.
Comparative Legal Landscape
Some states, including Texas and Minnesota, have enacted more stringent measures. They prohibit the distribution of AI-generated political media intended to influence elections within a defined pre-election window unless specific conditions are met. Violators face civil or criminal penalties. These laws have already faced challenges on First Amendment grounds, with platforms like X arguing that such bans could infringe on protected speech.
Governor’s Vision for AI in Oklahoma
Amid these proposed regulations, Governor Kevin Stitt has positioned Oklahoma as a potential hub for advanced technologies. At the launch of Oklahoma’s AI Task Force, Stitt highlighted the economic opportunities and efficiencies AI presents, stating it has the potential to revolutionize societal operations.
Senate Bill 1521: Protecting Children from AI
Another significant piece of legislation is Senate Bill 1521, introduced by Sen. Warren Hamilton. This bill aims to regulate AI chatbots that may pose risks to children by requiring age verification and barring minors from interacting with certain AI companions. The bill mandates that companies disclose that bots are not human or licensed professionals.
Hamilton stated, “Far too many innocent children have been harmed or exposed to explicit content by online platforms and AI frameworks. It is necessary to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
House Bills Addressing AI Regulations
A trio of House bills introduced by Rep. Cody Maynard seeks to impose additional restrictions on AI:
- House Bill 3546 explicitly states that AI systems cannot be granted legal personhood under Oklahoma law.
- House Bill 3545 aims to restrict high-risk AI applications, including those that manipulate people or conduct biometric surveillance.
- House Bill 3544 proposes banning social AI companions and human-like chatbots for minors while requiring companies to implement age verification measures.
Maynard remarked, “Machines are created by man, and they must never be elevated to the status of the people they were designed to serve.”
Conclusion
The proposed legislation reflects growing concerns over the impact of AI on society, particularly regarding political integrity and child safety. As Oklahoma navigates its path in the evolving landscape of AI, these bills aim to ensure responsible use while harnessing the technology’s potential.
