Phil Amato Files Bill Denying AI Legal Personhood

St. Louis State Representative Phil Amato pre-filed a bill on December 3, 2025, designed to prevent artificial intelligence systems from being granted the legal status of a person. The proposed legislation aims to ban AI from accessing human privileges, including the ability to marry, serve on a board of directors, or act as an employer.

Developed with assistance from an AI researcher, the bill seeks to establish a legal foundation for human accountability. By defining the limitations of AI, the legislation would hold AI developers responsible for harm caused by their software, such as chatbots marketed as therapy for children. Amato argues that humans must remain responsible for the actions of the software they create.

The bill has already gained support from members of the Missouri legislature. It is scheduled for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which begins on January 7.