COLUMBUS – Today, the House Government Oversight Committee commenced hearings on House Bill 367, a legislative proposal aimed at modernizing Ohio’s name, image, and likeness rights while safeguarding residents from unauthorized use of their identities. The bill sponsor, State Representative Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville), announced the commencement of the hearings.
House Bill 367 seeks to enact the following measures:
- Revise the existing definition of a person’s persona.
- Define malicious deepfake recordings.
- Establish a legal framework to address fraudulent reproductions.
- Create exemptions for protected speech, such as political advertisements and news reporting.
During his testimony as the bill’s sponsor, Representative Hillyer emphasized the importance of bolstering Ohio’s legal framework to uphold the rights of its citizens. He stated, “We have worked throughout this General Assembly to bolster our legal code and protect our God-given rights. This bill today ensures every Ohioan, not just the famous, can be protected from those who would tarnish their names.”
Currently, Ohio law requires individuals to prove that the use of their name, image, or likeness was for commercial purposes or intended to defraud, thereby excluding many Ohioans from legal protection.
House Bill 367 is now pending further consideration by the House Government Oversight Committee.
