On the new artificial intelligence (AI) frontier, Texas is doing what it does best: leading from the front. When House Bill 149—the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act—was introduced, it felt like an overdue reckoning.
I have spent years as a litigation attorney at leading law firms working, publishing, and presenting on the intersection of law and AI, and have seen firsthand how quickly AI is reshaping our world, often for the better. But I’ve also seen the risks: opaque algorithms, unchecked data use, and the real potential for harm befalling everyday Texans in the absence of clear guardrails. By passing HB 149, Texas is leading in the AI race with a focus on core values like transparency, accountability, and human dignity. In short, HB 149 installs a new sheriff on the AI frontier that is both tough and fair.
HB 149 Balances Regulation and Innovation for AI
AI is no longer a distant concept. It’s in our offices, our homes, and our courts. The questions are as numerous as they are serious: Who is responsible when an AI system causes harm? How can we prevent manipulation and discrimination through AI? How can the government or market actors use AI to interact with citizens and consumers? HB 149 is Texas’ answer.
HB 149 has 26 pages of content, but a few elements are worth highlighting. The bill bans systems that intentionally encourage self-harm or criminal activity and prevents algorithmic discrimination. It requires that citizens be informed when they are interacting with government AI and prohibits government use of AI for social scoring and political viewpoint discrimination. And it has teeth, including the potential for tens of thousands of dollars in fines or civil penalties for each day of violation.
But the bill balances these regulatory sticks with innovative carrots. For instance, HB 149 also creates a regulatory sandbox, giving innovators a space to test new ideas without unnecessary regulatory hurdles. And it establishes the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council for nimble oversight to keep guidance current as this technology evolves at an unprecedented speed.
HB 149 is about ensuring that innovation serves people, not the other way around. And Texas has taken a key step to ensure its time-honored values are respected and reflected in this emerging technology.
Testifying at the Senate: Democracy Up Close
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to testify before the Texas Senate Committee on Business and Commerce as it heard HB 149. This was my first time testifying at a Senate hearing. The room was full of lawmakers, policy experts, industry leaders, and everyday Texans, all there to weigh in on the future of AI. I was there to make the case for HB 149 from a practical perspective, emphasizing the need for clear rules that protect people while allowing innovation to thrive.
It was amazing to see how accessible the legislative process was and how engaged everyday citizens were as they took the mic to share their perspectives. It was a reminder that in Texas, the legislative process is open to everyone. Seeing people from all walks of life speak directly to lawmakers was both empowering and humbling. It reinforced my belief in the value of public participation and the importance of having a direct line with those who make the rules.
Then, it was my turn to step up to the microphone. I felt the familiar excitement that reminded me of arguing in a courtroom. But this time, I wasn’t arguing for a client; I was arguing for Texas – my home. My goal was to help these senators understand how thoughtful regulations on AI could empower Texans, not just protect them. Drawing on my years of experience with AI and law, I highlighted how HB 149 would improve the existing, outdated legal framework. This law gives renewed hope that Texans can use this powerful new tool to improve their lives, while respecting the time-honored values that make Texas such a force in the first place.
And just like that, my time was up. I listened to the rest of the testimony and felt a surge of confidence that the legislation would pass. After the committee closed, the committee chair, Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, struck up a conversation with me in the hallway, thanked me for the testimony, and shook my hand.
Looking Ahead at the Future of AI
HB 149 is a significant step forward for Texas. It’s a framework that balances innovation with responsibility, and it sets a standard for how states can approach the challenges of AI. For young professionals interested in technology and policy, this is a moment to pay attention. The future of AI is being shaped right now, and Texas is leading the way. But Texas isn’t the only one vying for a voice. There are many others—including hostile, foreign state actors—seeking to shape the future of AI in ways that are antithetical to the Texan ethos. If you care about how technology impacts society, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
