State Representative Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) introduced House Bill 1709, the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, a proposal that would establish ethical and practical guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Texas. (TRAIGA) was submitted.
The bill seeks to position Texas as a leader in responsible innovation while addressing concerns about the rapid integration of AI into daily life.
“Artificial intelligence continues to increasingly reshape our daily lives, and we must approach this transformation with the necessary care,” Congressman Capriglione said in a press release. “The Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act will ensure the adoption of innovation while protecting public trust, privacy, and safety. With the introduction of this bill, Texas will proactively embrace the challenges and opportunities of AI. and ensure that Texas remains a center for responsible technological advancement.”
According to a press release, TRAIGA aims to address key aspects of AI development and deployment, including:
Transparency and accountability: Require companies to disclose their use of AI systems and ensure accountability in the process. Ethical use: Establish guidelines to prevent bias, discrimination, and abuse of AI technology. Data privacy protection: Strengthen safeguards for personal data used in AI systems. Workforce Development: Accelerate education and training programs to prepare Texans for an AI-driven economy. Protection from censorship: Ensure that AI systems used to moderate content are transparent, fair, and accountable, and protect free speech.
A recent PwC study estimates that AI could add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, so Mr. Capriglione believes that while harnessing the economic potential of AI, It says it is essential to establish clear guidelines to prevent unintended consequences.
The legislation also introduces an artificial intelligence regulatory sandbox program, which allows companies in the testing phase to apply for temporary exemptions from certain regulatory requirements. This measure fosters innovation while maintaining oversight.
Capriglione explained that HB 1709 is the result of extensive collaboration with the public, industry leaders, academics, and advocacy groups. “By balancing innovation and the public interest, we aim to create a blueprint for responsible AI use that other states and nations can follow,” he said.
Matt Rosen, CEO and founder of technology consulting firm Allata, emphasized the importance of understanding how AI systems are trained. “If you let the AI run untethered, it will be biased because the information it scans will be biased,” Rosen told KXAN. He added that many organizations are seeking guidance on how to use AI responsibly while protecting their data.
Rosen noted that AI regulation at the federal level remains thin, leaving states to fill in the gaps. “You have to think, are we going to see legislation at both levels in the next few years, and if that’s the case, will they overlap?” He emphasized the need for a balanced approach.
