The bill introduces significant amendments to the Revised Code, focusing on the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and the protection of minors. It mandates that all AI-generated products must feature a distinctive watermark to indicate their origin, while also prohibiting the creation and distribution of simulated child pornography, which includes both real and artificially generated depictions of minors. Civil penalties for violations will be directed to the consumer protection enforcement fund. Additionally, the bill enhances existing laws concerning the exploitation of minors and impaired individuals by specifically addressing offenses related to the creation, distribution, and possession of obscene materials involving minors or their artificial representations.

Moreover, the bill amends section 2913.49 of the Revised Code to refine definitions and regulations surrounding identity fraud and the unauthorized use of personal identifying information. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "personal identifying information," "replica of a person's persona," and "artificial intelligence," while deleting the previous definition of "personal." The legislation prohibits the unauthorized use of another person's personal identifying information and establishes specific offenses related to the creation and use of replicas of a person's persona. It categorizes penalties for identity fraud based on the value of the fraud and the victim's status, with heightened penalties for crimes against vulnerable populations. The bill also allows for civil actions for victims, enabling them to seek restitution and injunctions against future violations, while repealing several existing sections to streamline the legal framework.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1345.51, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2913.49