Texas Enacts Groundbreaking AI Law: What TRAIGA Means for Businesses and Developers
On June 22, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) into law, establishing Texas as a national leader in state-level AI regulation. This sweeping legislation, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, sets strict guidelines for the ethical use of artificial intelligence across the state.
What Is TRAIGA?
TRAIGA (codified in the Texas Government Code, Chapter 2059, Subchapter C) introduces comprehensive AI compliance requirements for both public and private entities operating in Texas. The law targets harmful or unethical uses of AI while encouraging responsible innovation through a regulatory sandbox.
Key Provisions of TRAIGA
1. Prohibited AI PracticesTRAIGA strictly prohibits the development or deployment of AI systems for:
- Manipulating users into self-harm or illegal activities.
- Violating constitutional rights, such as free speech or privacy.
- Engaging in discriminatory practices in hiring, housing, credit, or other services.
- Creating child sexual abuse material or non-consensual deepfake pornography.
2. Government Entity RestrictionsGovernment agencies in Texas must:
- Clearly disclose when individuals are interacting with an AI system.
- Refrain from using AI for social scoring.
- Obtain explicit consent before deploying biometric identification systems unless authorized by law.
3. Enforcement by the Texas Attorney GeneralThe Texas Attorney General has exclusive authority to enforce TRAIGA. The law provides structured opportunities for remediation before imposing penalties, but civil fines may be substantial for persistent noncompliance.
4. Regulatory Sandbox for InnovationTRAIGA introduces a “regulatory sandbox” allowing companies to test AI applications under state oversight. This fosters innovation while maintaining consumer safety and legal compliance.
Why TRAIGA Matters for Texas Businesses
Companies offering AI-powered services or tools in Texas must begin reviewing their systems now to ensure compliance by the January 2026 deadline. Special attention should be given to:
AI tools handling sensitive personal or biometric data.
Content generation platforms.
Systems used for decision-making in employment or lending.
Proactive compliance with TRAIGA will mitigate legal risks and demonstrate a commitment to ethical AI practices.
Final Thoughts
TRAIGA positions Texas at the forefront of AI governance, combining legal safeguards with pro-innovation policies. For law firms, developers, and businesses, now is the time to prepare for this regulatory shift.
To access the full law text, visit the Texas Legislature Online. For legal guidance on AI compliance in Texas, contact The Law Spot.