Texas passes AI legislation, aims to lead in innovation and responsibility

In a major development that could shape the future of artificial intelligence governance across the nation, the Texas House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) this week. The legislation is being hailed as a carefully crafted framework that balances the protection of individual rights with Texas’ ambitions to be a national leader in AI innovation.

Authored by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake), House Bill 149 (originally filed as HB 1709) passed with 146 votes in favor and only three against, signaling broad bipartisan support for the bill’s goals and protections. Capriglione described TRAIGA as "a comprehensive framework" that sets up clear legal standards and consumer protections without stifling innovation.

A Revised Approach Following Initial Pushback

The bill’s first iteration faced criticism from free market think tanks and policy groups, who argued it could "derail the AI revolution" and slow down the state's competitive edge against global powers like China. In response, Capriglione revised the bill to better align with industry input, resulting in the version that successfully passed the House floor this week.

Key to the updated proposal was maintaining a "light-touch" regulatory model that supports tech growth, while enshrining strong civil liberties protections—a move praised by both consumer advocacy groups and tech leaders.

Establishing Oversight and Guardrails

The centerpiece of TRAIGA is the creation of the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council, an advisory body tasked with ensuring that AI systems developed or deployed in Texas are ethical, safe, and aligned with public interests. This includes oversight to prevent:

Public safety hazards

Violations of individual freedoms

Use of AI in mass surveillance or biometric tracking without consent

Political discrimination or censorship via AI systems

Manipulative or coercive user interfaces, commonly referred to as "dark patterns"

Capriglione also introduced key amendments during the House debate. One reinforces that AI systems may not infringe on constitutional rights, and another explicitly bans the use of AI in generating child pornography or sexually explicit content involving minors.

Transparency in Government AI Use

Another major provision of TRAIGA is mandatory transparency when government agencies use AI. Agencies will now be required to notify the public when an AI system is in use and disclose its functions—part of a broader effort to build public trust and ensure accountability in automated decision-making.

Importantly, the legislation also prohibits the development of "social scoring" systems, similar to those used in other countries, which can assign scores to individuals based on behavior, beliefs, or affiliations.

A National Model?

Advocates say the law could become a blueprint for AI policy across the U.S., offering a middle ground between unregulated tech development and heavy-handed government control.

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), a key supporter, praised the final bill. David Dunmoyer, director of the Foundation’s Better Tech for Tomorrow initiative, said the law “strikes the ever-elusive balance of being pro-innovation and pro-humanity,” and gives businesses “clear rules of the road.”

Capriglione, who has been vocal about the need for AI laws that protect constitutional rights, emphasized that TRAIGA is about more than regulation—it’s about safeguarding the future.

“This is probably one of the biggest AI frameworks that any state would pass,” Capriglione stated. “And it’s rooted in our values—freedom, innovation, and responsibility.”

The Lone Dissenters

Despite its wide support, three lawmakers voted against the bill: Reps. Terry Canales (D-Edinburg), Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian), and David Lowe (R-North Richland Hills). Their reasons have not yet been publicly detailed, but early critics had cited concerns over possible overreach or unintended consequences in tech development.

What’s Next?

The bill now heads to the Texas Senate, where observers expect it to be fast-tracked due to its broad support and national interest. If passed and signed into law, TRAIGA will position Texas at the forefront of ethical AI development in America.

In an era where artificial intelligence is quickly reshaping everything from healthcare to law enforcement to online speech, Texas is drawing a bold line—one that aims to champion innovation while defending civil liberties.