Focus at Four: New Law Seeks to Protect Texans from AI Risks
At the start of 2026, several new laws in Texas went into effect, including the Texas Responsible AI Governance Act. This significant legislation aims to restrict the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), imposing necessary limitations on both government agencies and private companies.
Addressing AI Risks
Gregory Ewig, a member of Dickinson Wright Law, emphasized that the law is designed to tackle various risks associated with AI. Key areas of focus include:
- Employment: The law examines how AI can be used in hiring and firing processes.
- Creation of Explicit Content: It seeks to address issues surrounding the generation of sexually explicit images, particularly those involving minors.
- Transparency in Government Interaction: Ensuring that individuals are aware when they are interacting with AI.
Enforcement Challenges
One of the upcoming challenges for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will be enforcing this new law. However, Texas is not alone in its efforts; other states, such as Colorado, are also moving towards stricter AI regulations.
State-Specific Assessments
Ewig noted that Texas and Colorado are particularly unique because they have implemented risk-based assessments regarding AI. In contrast, other states have tended to focus on specific areas, such as:
- Education: Concerns about AI’s role in evaluating students.
- Employment: Scrutiny over the use of AI in workplace evaluations.
Government’s Role
The overarching message from this new legislation is that the government is actively looking out for the public. Ewig stated, “There should be guardrails around how AI is used by the government and businesses to protect individuals who interact with AI on a daily basis.”
In summary, the Texas Responsible AI Governance Act represents a proactive step towards safeguarding citizens from potential AI-related risks, ensuring a balanced approach to the future of technology.
