Texas has enacted the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA), becoming one of the first states to implement comprehensive AI regulation. The law, effective January 1, 2026, establishes a Texas AI Council, a regulatory sandbox, and introduces civil penalties for non-compliance. TRAIGA includes provisions focused on AI consumer protections, disclosure, consent, and compliance requirements, with sector-specific rules for healthcare. The legislation represents a pared-back but pioneering approach to AI governance, aiming to regulate both public and private AI use while fostering innovation. Texas' move aligns with broader trends of state-level AI regulation following the removal of certain federal restrictions, emphasizing the importance of addressing risks related to AI applications, particularly in employment decisions and mental health. The act has been described as a model for AI governance in a red state context and is seen as advancing President Trump's AI agenda.
With Federal Restrictions Removed, a Wave of State Laws Highlights Risks of Using AI in Employment Decisions https://t.co/091gmIW7Ay | by @StinsonLLP
Regulatory Trend: Safeguarding Mental Health in an AI-Enabled World https://t.co/fR4qfFTaBE | by @polsinelli
2026 in AI is going to be WILD 🫨