Proposed Texas Bill on Artificial Intelligence Regulation
In a significant move towards regulating artificial intelligence (AI), a new bill has been proposed in Texas, aiming to create comprehensive oversight for the development and use of AI technologies. This initiative comes after months of discussions surrounding the implications of AI in society and how best to manage its growth.
Overview of House Bill 1709
House Bill 1709, officially known as the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, was filed by State Representative Giovanni Capriglione on January 15, 2025. This legislation is poised to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session, set to begin shortly thereafter. The bill aims to establish a framework for regulating what are termed “high-risk AI systems.”
Key Provisions of the Act
The 44-page act outlines several critical requirements and guidelines intended to promote responsible AI usage:
- Transparency: Companies must disclose their use of AI systems and clearly explain the applications of these technologies.
- Bias Prevention: The act aims to establish guidelines to prevent bias and discrimination inherent in AI systems.
- Data Protection: Safeguards will be created to ensure the protection of personal data utilized in AI systems.
- Workforce Education: The legislation encourages the development of training programs to equip Texas workers with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
- Free Speech Protections: The act emphasizes the importance of protecting lawful political discourse from censorship.
Addressing Risks Associated with AI
One of the most notable aspects of the proposed legislation is its aim to prohibit certain AI systems that pose “unacceptable risks.” These include technologies that:
- Manipulate human behavior
- Engage in social scoring
- Capture biometric identifiers
- Infer or interpret sensitive personal attributes without consent
- Produce deepfakes that constitute illegal content
Public Concerns and Legal Actions
The urgency for such legislation has been underscored by recent legal actions, such as a lawsuit filed by two Texas mothers against
