Bill > HB149

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) systems in Texas, creating a multifaceted framework to govern their development, deployment, and use. The legislation introduces the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, which defines an AI system as a machine-based system that generates outputs based on received inputs, and creates several key mechanisms for oversight. These include establishing a Texas Artificial Intelligence Council to provide guidance and recommendations, creating a regulatory sandbox program that allows companies to test innovative AI systems with limited market access, and implementing strict requirements for AI development and deployment. The bill prohibits AI systems from being used to manipulate human behavior, engage in social scoring, uniquely identify individuals without consent, or discriminate against protected classes. It provides the attorney general with exclusive enforcement authority, allowing for civil penalties ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 per violation, and requires governmental agencies to disclose when consumers are interacting with AI systems. The legislation also mandates that state agencies report on their AI system usage and requires the Department of Information Resources to oversee a program enabling companies to test AI innovations in a controlled environment. Notably, the bill aims to balance technological innovation with consumer protection, privacy, and public safety, setting a comprehensive framework for responsible AI development in Texas.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB149