🔴Relating to regulation of the use of artificial intelligence systems in this state; providing civil penalties.

HB 149

🔴 HB 149: State-Controlled AI Rules That Shut Out the Public

What it says it does:
HB 149 creates statewide rules for artificial intelligence. It bans harmful uses such as child exploitation or government “social scoring” and says companies must disclose when people are interacting with AI. It also sets up a sandbox program for testing AI tools under special conditions.

What it actually changes:
The bill blocks local governments from passing their own AI rules. It gives the Attorney General exclusive enforcement power, meaning no one else, including regular Texans, can take legal action even if they are harmed. It also allows selected companies to bypass normal regulations through the sandbox program.

Who is pushing for it:
Supporters in the files include the Texas Public Policy Foundation, TechNet, the Texas Association of Business, and Clearview AI. The Department of Information Resources and the Office of the Attorney General also gave input during hearings.

Who benefits:
Large tech firms and biometric vendors gain freedom from local regulation. State officials get sole enforcement control. Approved companies in the sandbox can test products without facing lawsuits or full oversight.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Texans harmed by biased or invasive AI systems cannot sue. Local governments cannot pass protective rules. Civil rights and consumer watchdog groups lose standing. Small developers may be excluded from the sandbox.

Why this matters long term:
This bill sets a precedent for centralized, top-down control over emerging technology. It removes legal pathways for individuals and communities. If this model spreads to other sectors such as healthcare or education, public oversight could disappear.

What to watch next:
Future bills may expand the sandbox concept to more industries. The Attorney General’s discretion will shape who gets investigated and who is ignored. Local governments may challenge the preemption in court. Vendors benefiting from this setup may return next session seeking more carveouts.

Bottom line:
HB 149 does not regulate AI to protect Texans. It shields powerful developers from lawsuits, blocks cities from defending their residents, and gives one political office control over who gets held accountable. This is a legal firewall for corporations, not a guardrail for the public.