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Sponsor says Ohio should create a study commission on frontier technologies
Summary
Representative Heidi Wertman told the committee House Bill 650 would create a temporary commission to examine AI, quantum computing, biotech, and cybersecurity and recommend whether a permanent statewide body is needed; some senators warned against endless study and pressed for balanced representation and a tight timeline.
Representative Heidi Wertman presented sponsor testimony for House Bill 650, which would create a temporary statewide commission to study frontier technologies and make recommendations on economic, workforce and security implications.
Wertman said lawmakers must "fully understand what we're dealing with and prepare forward-looking policies" because innovation is moving faster than governance. She listed four responsibilities for the commission, including assessing whether a permanent strategic commission is needed, examining workforce and economic impacts, evaluating infrastructure and security resilience, and establishing ethical standards for responsible innovation.
Senator Blessing said he worried the proposal would create another indefinite study process that could be used to delay action and that a standing committee might suffice. Senator Mora asked why the commission would not have equal partisan representation and whether the aggressive reporting timeline (a report by the end of the year) was realistic given legislative calendars. Wertman and other supporters said leadership had worked to balance appointments and that the commission would be expected to meet quickly and work through the summer.
The chair concluded the first hearing on HB 650 after questions; members were encouraged to review written testimony ahead of any further action.
