Texas Enacts TRAIGA: A New Era of Responsible AI Governance

TRAIGA is now law—Texas sets the pace for ethical AI regulation

Author

Nick James
July 01, 2025

On June 22, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) into law, positioning Texas at the forefront of AI regulation in the United States. This landmark legislation, effective January 1, 2026, establishes a comprehensive framework for the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and public safety.

Understanding TRAIGA: Key Provisions

TRAIGA introduces several critical measures aimed at ensuring AI technologies are developed and used responsibly within Texas:

1. Prohibited Uses of AI

TRAIGA explicitly prohibits the development or deployment of AI systems intended to:

  • Harm individuals or incite self-harm, violence, or criminal activity.

  • Engage in unlawful discrimination against protected classes.

  • Infringe upon constitutional rights.

  • Produce or distribute sexually explicit content involving minors.

These provisions aim to prevent the misuse of AI in ways that could cause significant harm to individuals and society.

2. Governmental Use Restrictions

The Act imposes specific limitations on how government entities can utilize AI:

  • Prohibits the use of AI systems for social scoring or biometric identification without consent.

  • Mandates clear and conspicuous disclosure when AI systems interact with consumers, ensuring transparency in government services.

3. Establishment of the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council

TRAIGA creates the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council, tasked with:

  • Advising the legislature on AI-related matters.

  • Identifying existing laws that may impede AI innovation.

  • Recommending reforms to promote responsible AI development.

4. Regulatory Sandbox Program

To foster innovation, TRAIGA introduces a regulatory sandbox program, allowing developers to test AI systems in a controlled environment with certain regulatory flexibilities. This initiative encourages experimentation while maintaining oversight to ensure public safety.

Implications for Business Leaders

For businesses operating in Texas, TRAIGA presents both challenges and opportunities:

  • Compliance Requirements: Companies must review and potentially revise their AI systems to ensure they do not engage in prohibited activities outlined by TRAIGA.

  • Transparency and Disclosure: Organizations, especially those interacting directly with consumers, need to implement clear disclosure practices when deploying AI technologies.

  • Engagement with the Regulatory Sandbox: Businesses can leverage the sandbox program to innovate and test new AI applications within a supportive regulatory framework.

  • Collaboration with the AI Council: Engaging with the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council can provide insights into upcoming regulations and opportunities to influence AI governance in the state.

While Texas advances its AI regulatory framework, federal discussions are ongoing regarding a potential 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulations. Such a moratorium could impact the implementation of TRAIGA and similar state laws. Business leaders should stay informed about federal developments to understand how they may affect state regulations and corporate compliance strategies.

Conclusion

TRAIGA marks a significant step in AI governance, reflecting Texas's commitment to fostering innovation while safeguarding public interests. Business leaders must proactively assess their AI strategies, ensuring alignment with TRAIGA's provisions and preparing for the evolving regulatory landscape. By embracing responsible AI practices, companies can not only comply with new laws but also build trust with consumers and stakeholders in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Explore the TRAIGA Triage Center

WhitegloveAI has built a dedicated resource hub to help organizations understand, prepare for, and operationalize compliance with the Texas Responsible AI Governance Act.

From readiness assessments and regulatory checklists to expert guidance and AI policy templates, the TRAIGA Triage Center is your launchpad for building responsible, compliant AI systems in Texas and beyond.