United States of America: Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Bill (HB 149) establishing Artificial Intelligence Council enters into force

On 1 January 2026, the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Bill (HB 149) enters into force. The Bill establishes the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council under Chapter 554 of the Business and Commerce Code. The Council is tasked with overseeing artificial intelligence governance in the state without possessing rulemaking or enforcement authority. Its responsibilities include identifying legal and regulatory barriers to innovation, evaluating the societal and public safety impact of artificial intelligence systems, and issuing legislative and policy recommendations. The Council is administratively supported by the Texas Department of Information Resources and monitors the state’s regulatory sandbox programme established under Chapter 553. The Council comprises 10 members, including public appointees and non-voting legislators, with expertise in AI ethics, data security, and risk management. The Council may publish advisory reports concerning compliance, ethical deployment, and potential legal implications of artificial intelligence systems, but it is not authorised to issue binding rules or intervene in the operations of state agencies.