Texas Moves to Regulate AI with House Bill 149
In an effort to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and safeguard citizens, Texas legislators have introduced House Bill 149, aimed at setting clear boundaries on AI applications. Authored by State Representative Giovanni Capriglione, the bill mandates government agencies to inform Texans when they’re interacting with AI and prohibits the collection of biometric data without explicit consent, including facial and voice recognition technologies.
The legislation’s supporters argue it is a necessary step to address real-world issues related to privacy violations, discrimination, and government opacity. "It focuses on real harms and not hypothetical scenarios," noted Kevin Welch, president of EFF-Austin, a digital rights advocacy group. The bill also seeks to avert the use of AI for harmful purposes, such as manipulating human behavior or exploiting children through deepfakes.
A significant aspect of the bill is the establishment of the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council, which will monitor AI use across state government and suggest legislative updates as needed. The Texas Attorney General’s office would oversee enforcement, aided by a new online complaint portal, enhancing public oversight in the tech domain.
Despite its promising features, critics warn that HB 149 could hinder innovation by creating an uncertain legal landscape. Advocates for the tech industry emphasize the importance of regulatory clarity, aiming to foster compliance and protect innovators from litigation. However, concerns persist regarding the bill’s lack of provision for citizens to pursue lawsuits against companies that misuse AI.
As discussions continue, Texas legislators are under pressure to refine the bill amid rising national interest in AI regulation. Should HB 149 be passed and not interrupted by proposed federal moratoriums on state AI laws, it could take effect by January 1, 2025, potentially establishing a new framework for AI governance in Texas.
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