Bill > HB581

This bill addresses the creation and distribution of artificial sexual material harmful to minors by introducing several key provisions. The bill defines "artificial sexual material harmful to minors" as computer-generated sexual content created using artificial intelligence (AI) that recognizably features an actual person. Commercial entities operating websites or applications that allow the creation of such material must implement reasonable age verification methods to ensure users are 18 or older, such as requiring digital identification or using government-issued ID or commercial age verification systems. The bill also mandates that any person used as a source for such material must be over 18 and provide explicit consent. Entities can avoid some requirements if they prohibit the generation of harmful material in their terms of service and use technological tools to prevent its creation, such as AI filtering and content screening. The legislation imposes potential civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for violations, with additional penalties of up to $250,000 if minors access harmful material. Internet service providers and search engines are generally protected from liability if they are not directly responsible for creating the content. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to protect minors from potentially exploitative or inappropriate AI-generated sexual content.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB581