July 17, 2025

Texas Passes Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act

News Summary

Texas has enacted the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA), signed by Governor Greg Abbott. This legislation aims to protect consumers and enforce transparency regarding AI usage, positioning Texas as a leader in AI regulation. Key provisions include mandatory disclosure of AI use by businesses, the establishment of a Texas AI Council, and guidelines against unethical AI practices. TRAIGA will be implemented in 2026, emphasizing a collaborative approach to innovation and regulation within the AI sector.

Austin, Texas — Texas has taken a significant step in regulating the use of artificial intelligence by passing the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA). Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, the new legislation will come into effect on January 1, 2026. TRAIGA is designed to protect consumers and promote transparency in the business practices of companies utilizing AI technology.

The law positions Texas as a leader in AI regulation, filling a gap left by many states that have not yet developed comprehensive frameworks for AI governance. TRAIGA emphasizes a human-centered approach to AI development, aligning the state’s legislation with similar principles seen in European Union regulatory practices. It reflects a growing recognition of the need for clear guidelines to manage the pervasive effects of AI on everyday life.

Among its numerous provisions, TRAIGA mandates that businesses using AI must disclose their use of this technology to consumers. The legislation explicitly prohibits certain unethical AI activities, including promoting self-harm or unlawfully utilizing biometric data. To facilitate adherence to these new regulations, a Texas AI Council will be established. This council will include public members appointed by state leaders and will oversee the implementation and usage of AI in the public interest.

TRAIGA incorporates a regulatory sandbox framework that allows businesses to test new AI technologies under government oversight without immediate regulatory burdens. This provision is intended to foster innovation while ensuring that consumer protections remain in place. Larger corporations will likely need to reassess their AI practices to comply with these new standards, whereas everyday consumers may not notice immediate changes.

This legislative action counters the narrative that Texas is wholly anti-regulation. By implementing measures aimed at protecting consumers, the state demonstrates a commitment to balancing regulatory oversight with the goal of encouraging innovation within the AI sector. Other states are expected to reference TRAIGA as a potential model for their own AI regulations in light of the current lack of comprehensive federal oversight. Congress is considering a 10-year moratorium on federal AI regulation, which has prompted states to develop their own legal frameworks.

Under TRAIGA, the Texas Attorney General will hold the sole authority to enforce the law. This centralized enforcement mechanism includes the power to impose civil penalties ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 for various infractions. However, individuals will not have the ability to sue under this act, focusing enforcement on state obligations rather than on personal litigation.

The law also amends existing Texas biometric data legislation to clarify consent requirements for the use of biometric identifiers in AI applications. Furthermore, TRAIGA explicitly bans the development or deployment of AI systems that produce illegal content, such as child pornography, representing a crucial commitment to ethical standards in the use of technology.

Employers utilizing AI for hiring processes will face a significantly reduced regulatory burden compared to previous proposals, streamlining their operations while still promoting necessary safeguards. The passage of TRAIGA encourages businesses to proactively assess their AI governance frameworks and vendor management to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Ultimately, TRAIGA strives to create a collaborative environment for both regulatory oversight and innovation within the AI landscape, providing crucial clarity for companies operating in Texas’s diverse jurisdiction.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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