HB 1876 (Act 927 of 2025) — Arkansas ownership of generative AI content and trained models (Ark. Code § 18-4-101)

Summary

Arkansas Act 927 of 2025 (HB 1876) adds Arkansas Code section 18-4-101 on ownership when a generative AI tool is used. By default, the person who gives the input or directive owns the generated content, provided it does not infringe existing copyrights or other intellectual property; the person who provides lawfully acquired training data owns the resulting trained model unless rights were transferred by contract. Where an employee uses the tool within the scope of employment and under the employer's direction, the employer owns the output. The act does not grant ownership of infringing content. Approved April 21, 2025; effective August 5, 2025.

Key dates

1. April 21, 2025Enacted
2. August 5, 2025Takes effect
3. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. 18-4-101. Generative artificial intelligence tool — Ownership of model

   Supports: Act adds Ark. Code § 18-4-101 on ownership

   APPROVED: 4/21/25

   Supports: Approval date

   Act 927 of the 2025 Regular Session (HB 1876) Arkansas State Legislature Primary source

2. The Arkansas Attorney General has opined that acts without an emergency clause or a specified effective date will become effective on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

   Supports: Effective date for acts without an emergency clause

   Arkansas 2025 legislative session summary (insurance) Mitchell Williams Reporting or analysis