Prohibits governmental entities from granting legal personhood to a variety of objects
Impact
The implications of HB 721 are notable for both environmental and technological discussions. By prohibiting legal personhood for bodies of water, land, and other natural entities, the bill may limit the ability of certain environmental advocacy groups to argue for the legal rights of nature, as has been seen in various jurisdictions seeking to protect ecosystems through legal personhood. This restriction could reduce recourse for environmental protection and may hinder efforts to secure legal standing for non-human entities in legal battles involving ecological concerns.
Summary
House Bill 721 aims to address the concept of legal personhood in the state of Missouri by explicitly prohibiting governmental entities from granting legal personhood to a range of non-human entities, including artificial intelligence, inanimate objects, bodies of water, land, atmospheric gases, and various forms of life that are not classified as human. This bill represents a significant move to delineate the scope of legal rights and obligations that can be attributed to different entities, situating human beings as the sole recipients of legal personhood under state law.
Contention
The bill has sparked debates around its necessity as well as its broader implications. Proponents argue that it is essential to clarify legal personhood, thereby reinforcing the rightful ownership and regulation of land and natural resources by human entities. Conversely, opponents express concern that such a restriction could undermine environmental protections and diminish the ability of communities to advocate for the rights associated with natural ecosystems. The bill's framing might reflect a response to evolving legal concepts around personhood, particularly as they relate to advancements in technology, including AI.