House Judiciary Committee reports out UCC electronic-records bill after debate over AI 'personhood' language

The House Judiciary Committee on May 15 reported out Senate Bill 252 (work order 34-LS0294), a measure to authorize electronic records for secured transactions under the Uniform Commercial Code, after members debated proposed legislative-intent language addressing whether artificial intelligence systems could be treated as persons under the law.

Representative Gray, chair, opened the second committee hearing on SB252 and noted an amendment deadline set for May 14. Representative Vance moved an amendment that would add a legislative-intent clause stating "it is the intent of the legislature that nothing in this act may be construed as recognizing an artificial intelligence system, automated agent, or machine learning system as a person," arguing the clarification would prevent AIs from inadvertently acquiring legal rights analogous to people.

"We want to make sure that they do not, inadvertently, have the same rights as persons under the law," Representative Vance said, urging the committee to close the loop with a cross-reference to section 21 (the bill's definition of 'person'). Carly Dennis, staff to Senator Matt Klayman (the bill sponsor), told the committee she could not answer detailed legal questions immediately and would consult subject-matter experts but said the amendment appeared to be intent language that likely would not change the bill's substantive effect.

Nancy Mead, general counsel to the Alaska Court System, told the committee she felt "unequipped to answer" whether Title 11 criminal provisions would cover an AI and said she could not imagine how an AI would be tried in a criminal proceeding. Several members said they preferred input from legal and technical experts before adopting statutory language that could have broad implications.

After extended discussion about potential gaps in accountability if AI were categorized outside existing legal entities, Representative Vance withdrew the amendment. With no remaining objections, a committee member moved that SB252 be reported out of the House Judiciary Committee with individual recommendations and an attached fiscal note; Chair Gray announced the bill was reported out and authorized legislative legal services to make technical and conforming changes.

The committee record shows the sponsor, Senator Matt Klayman, joined by teleconference during the hearing; Carly Dennis represented sponsor staff on procedural and technical questions. The committee did not take additional public testimony at the hearing.

What happens next: the bill as reported out will proceed through the legislative process with the committee's recommendations and the attached fiscal note; staff will consult with legal and technical experts if further statutory clarification about AI is proposed.