As of this writing, there are 10 major tech-related bills sitting on the governor’s desk, not counting Senate Bill 1, the General Appropriations Bill, which went to the governor on June 10 for a signature.
Five of the bills awaiting Abbott’s signature are directly related to artificial intelligence. House Bill 149 would overhaul the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA). HB 2818 would establish an AI division within the Department of Information Resources. HB 3512 would require annual compliance with cybersecurity and AI training for government employees and officials “who use a computer to complete at least 25 percent of the employee’s required duties.” State Senate Senate Bill 441 would make the creation or alteration of visual depictions of sexually explicit media, i.e., deepfakes, a criminal offense. And SB 1964, would dictate how AI systems and data used by governmental entities are to be regulated.
A bill prompted by Abbott’s March order for state agency employees to return to office — following President Donald Trump’s similar order for federal workers — received unanimous approval in both the House and Senate, protecting it from veto.
HB 5196 dictates state employees must “conduct agency business only at the employee’s regular or assigned temporary place of employment,” with limited exceptions being afforded to those who enter an agreement with their agency’s head. The bill also restricts agencies from offering telework as a condition of employment.
The following tech-related bills are also awaiting Abbott’s signature. HB 2963 would make Texas the ninth state to enact a right to repair law. HB 3112 would modify provisions in the Texas Government Code to exempt cybersecurity-related information from open meetings and public information requirements. HB 5195 would compel state agencies to self-assess their website and online portals to identify areas for improvement. SB 765 relates to the confidentiality of fraud detection and deterrence measure information would affirm that information relating to fraud detection and deterrence is excepted from disclosure requirements.
Notable bills that have been signed or passed without signature this session include the creation of the Texas Cyber Command and a law that strengthens penalties for vendors that surveil public servants.
Any bill the governor has not signed or vetoed by June 22 will automatically become law. Sept. 1, the earliest day most bills can take effect.
This story first appeared in Industry Insider — Texas, part of e.Republic, Government Technology's parent company.
