Ohio lawmakers grappling with how to regulate AI

A Gongwer‑Werth survey of 40 Ohio legislators found most use AI in their work but many are undecided about how and at what level it should be regulated; lawmakers and the governor have pushed bills on AI-generated child sexual content and models that could encourage harm.

A recent anonymous Gongwer‑Werth Legislative Opinion Poll asked members of the Ohio General Assembly about their use of artificial intelligence and views on policy. Forty members responded to a six-question survey conducted on March 2. The poll shows widespread personal use of AI among lawmakers alongside significant uncertainty about its proper role and oversight. At the same time, bills addressing AI-created sexual content and harmful models have been introduced and are under consideration. Key findings: - A majority of respondents report using AI in their legislative work and say it helps them work more efficiently. - 38% of respondents are undecided about whether AI should be used more in government operations, and 39% are undecided about students using AI to assist with schoolwork. - Among Democrats, 73% favor federal regulation of AI, 7% favor state regulation, and 20% are undecided; among Republicans, 28% favor federal regulation, 40% favor state regulation, 24% are undecided, and 8% say AI should not be regulated. - Only 10% identified job displacement as their primary view of AI and 3% said AI should be avoided. - Gov. Mike DeWine urged lawmakers to outlaw AI-created child sexual content and to hold tech companies accountable for platforms that encourage harm; related bills include Senate Bill 163 and House Bill 524, which are pending in the legislature. Summary: The poll indicates that Ohio lawmakers broadly see AI as a useful tool but remain uncertain about its governance, with a clear partisan split on whether regulation should be federal or state. Legislative action is already underway on specific issues raised by the governor, and the bills mentioned are being considered in committee and the legislature. Undetermined at this time.