The Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA), HB 149, took effect January 1, 2026. Unlike Colorado's original impact-based model, TRAIGA is intent-based: it targets AI deployed with the intent to discriminate, manipulate, or cause specified harms. It offers an affirmative defense for organizations that align with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, and it is enforced only by the Attorney General.
Key points
- TRAIGA (HB 149) has been in effect since January 1, 2026.
- It is intent-based: prohibitions generally require deliberate misuse.
- Prohibited 'restricted purposes' include encouraging self-harm, unlawful discrimination, infringing constitutional rights, and generating CSAM.
- Alignment with the NIST AI RMF is an affirmative defense.
- Penalties run from curable violations up to $200,000 for uncurable ones, plus daily penalties; no private right of action.
Laws and instruments
Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA)
HB 149 (89th Leg.); signed June 22, 2025
Applies to developers and deployers doing business in Texas or serving Texas residents. Prohibits AI built or used for restricted purposes, limits certain biometric uses, and requires disclosure of AI use in some health contexts and by state agencies.
Effective: January 1, 2026
Timeline
Who it applies to
Developers and deployers that conduct business in Texas, offer products or services used by Texas residents, or develop or deploy AI within Texas.
Penalties
Curable violations $10,000 to $12,000; uncurable violations $80,000 to $200,000; $2,000 to $40,000 per day for continuing violations. Attorney General enforcement only; no private right of action.
Recent developments
January 1, 2026
King & Spalding
A wave of US state AI laws takes effect: California, Texas, Illinois
California's frontier transparency and training-data laws, Texas TRAIGA, and Illinois' AI employment amendment all took effect on the same day, a month after the federal preemption order. For now every one of them remains enforceable, and most follow the affected resident rather than the company's location.
Common questions
Does United States: Texas have a comprehensive AI law?
United States: Texas has a dedicated AI regime. The Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA), HB 149, took effect January 1, 2026. Unlike Colorado's original impact-based model, TRAIGA is intent-based: it targets AI deployed with the intent to discriminate, manipulate, or cause specified harms. It offers an affirmative defense for organizations that align with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, and it is enforced only by the Attorney General.
What are the penalties for AI violations in United States: Texas?
Curable violations $10,000 to $12,000; uncurable violations $80,000 to $200,000; $2,000 to $40,000 per day for continuing violations. Attorney General enforcement only; no private right of action.
Who does AI regulation in United States: Texas apply to?
Developers and deployers that conduct business in Texas, offer products or services used by Texas residents, or develop or deploy AI within Texas.
Cite this page
Artificial Intelligence Regulations, "AI Regulation in Texas," reviewed July 15, 2026, https://artificialintelligenceregulations.com/jurisdictions/texas.html.
Entries state the position as of the review date and link to the primary text for verification.
