While President Trump demands a single national framework on AI policy, states like Ohio are going their own way to propose guardrails for how the technology is used in health care.

Why it matters: That could set up a clash over who determines how AI models and systems can be deployed in insurer reviews, mental health treatment and chatbots that interact with patients.

By the numbers: More than 250 AI bills affecting health care were introduced in 47 states as of mid-October, according to a tracker from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

• Thirty-three of those bills in 21 states became law.
• A half dozen states have enacted laws focused on the use of AI-enabled chatbots, including Illinois' new law banning apps or services from providing mental health and therapeutic decision-making.

The intrigue: "There is a lot of bipartisan alignment on the topic. Red states are mirroring provisions of laws introduced in blue states and vice versa," said Randi Seigel, a partner at Manatt.

Zoom in: Ohio legislators have yet to enact any specific laws around AI in health care, but several ideas are being considered in legislative committees:

Senate Bill 164 (and House companion HB 579), sponsored by Sen. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield), would prohibit health insurers from making coverage decisions "solely" from the use of AI.

• And it would require insurers to submit an annual report to the state about whether and how they use AI algorithms.

House Bill 524, sponsored by Reps. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) and Ty Mathews (R-Findlay), would impose penalties for developing or deploying AI models that "encourage" self-harm or harming others.

• The bipartisan bill is motivated by a 16-year-old California boy who died by suicide and whose parents are suing OpenAI.

House Bill 525, also sponsored by Cockley and Mathews, would prohibit licensed therapists from using AI to make therapeutic decisions or directly interact with clients in "therapeutic communication."

Friction point: State efforts could bump up against Trump's push to establish a federal framework for AI and preempt state laws.

• Trump signed an executive order last week that requires the attorney general to establish a task force to challenge burdensome state AI regulations.
• It also draws Congress into the fight by calling for a legislative recommendation for a federal AI framework.

Yes, but: Beyond who has jurisdiction, future standard-setting could be complicated by the way that AI can be applied to many different tasks, and criteria such as whether an algorithm is involved in making a "consequential decision."

• And some AI players are warning that a patchwork of laws could squelch innovation and create complex reporting requirements.

Go deeper

Health care is just one aspect of AI that Ohio lawmakers are looking to regulate.

Other proposed bills include:

🗳️ House Bill 362: Prohibits the use of "deceptive and fraudulent" AI to influence an election.

💍 House Bill 469: Prohibits AI tools from gaining "legal personhood," owning property and holding decision-making roles in a company.

• Also bans marriages to AI chatbots, which has attracted attention.

🤑 Senate Bill 79: Regulates the use of AI-powered pricing algorithms.

⚠️ Senate Bill 163: Requires a watermark on AI-generated products, prohibits simulated child pornography and includes AI content in illegal "identity fraud" definitions.

Reality check: The bills haven't progressed significantly this year.

Yes, but: One law is in effect, following the passage of the state budget bill this summer, requiring all K-12 schools to adopt an AI policy by mid-2026.

Whitehall City Council scheduled a special meeting tonight to consider ousting Council Member Gerald Dixon, who has refused to resign after his arrest last week for allegedly sexually abusing teenage boys. (Dispatch)

🏥 Federal health care changes will increase costs and create challenges for Ohioans in 2026, advocates say. (Ohio Capital Journal)

✍️ Nearly 90 percent of Dispatch staffers signed union cards ahead of their unionization process. (Matter News)

📳 Mobile alerts will soon notify Ohioans when inmates escape correctional facilities. (WCMH-TV)

🍨 Graeter's is coming to New Albany and Lewis Center next year. (614 Magazine)

Despite some optimism to start the year, the Blue Jackets are struggling.

State of play: They've lost five straight and are tied for last place in the Eastern Conference.

• As of yesterday, their -16 scoring differential was worst in the conference and their 112 goals allowed in 32 was fourth-worst in the NHL.

The intrigue: With their playoff hopes dwindling, they've already become targets of trade rumors as the young team looks to the future.

A bright spot: Young goalie Jet Greaves continues to play well, and appears to have seized the starting job.

🏒 What's next: The Jackets look to snap their losing streak at home against the Anaheim Ducks tonight at 7pm. Resale tickets start as low as $25, including fees.

💭 Alissa's thought bubble: Don't forget about gameday promotions that could make watching bad hockey a little more tolerable — or even profitable! Hang in there, fans.

"My position is that these centers are totally inconsistent with residential neighborhoods."

Driving the news: Washington Township became the second community in recent months to pause approvals of data centers. Washington passed a 90-day moratorium, followed by a legal review.

• Trustees cited data centers' noise and large energy and water consumption, and asked Dublin to join them.

The other community, Jerome Township, enacted a nine-month moratorium in September.

🤖 Worthy of your time: Inside Central Ohio's data center boom