The Buckeye Institute presented testimony to the Ohio House Technology and Innovation Committee on Tuesday in support of House Bill 392. The bill aims to strengthen Ohio’s position in artificial intelligence (AI) and data processing technology.
Greg R. Lawson, a research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, told lawmakers that the legislation “establishes clear regulatory guardrails to properly balance innovation and responsible oversight of emerging technology,” while also providing “regulatory certainty for the AI sector by preventing local governments from imposing a patchwork of contradictory rules that are expensive and difficult to follow.”
Lawson pointed out that Ohio’s strengths—including its affordable energy sector, innovative healthcare market, and the clarity offered by House Bill 392—could help attract AI and technology companies to the state. He said these factors would also help rejuvenate advanced manufacturing in Ohio, retain graduates from institutions such as Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University, and employ skilled workers trained through statewide programs.
He warned about global competition in AI development: “ceding more ground to China would be catastrophic for U.S. national security and geopolitical interests.” According to Lawson, reducing regulatory barriers while adopting sensible safeguards could ensure America maintains technological leadership.
“House Bill 392 is a sensible regulatory approach that… will better position Ohio for tomorrow’s AI-driven economy,” Lawson concluded.
