Texas is prioritizing the integration of artificial intelligence within state agencies.
The new Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council, established in June 2023, is a seven-member committee tasked with studying and monitoring AI technology developed, employed, and procured by Texas state agencies.
The council is also responsible for providing oversight on AI systems to ensure they are developed responsibly and ethically, as well as protect the privacy and civil liberties of Texans.
“As AI becomes more prevalent as a revolutionary tool in our lives and in our workforce, we must ensure that this technology is developed in a responsible and ethical way in Texas to help boost our state’s growing economy,” said Governor Greg Abbott in a June news release following the signing of House Bill 2060, which created the AI Advisory Council.
“The Council will help cement Texas’ position as a national leader in innovative technology, ensuring our state continues designing and employing the latest and greatest AI technology while prioritizing the security of all Texans,” Abbott said.
Since 2022, over 33% of state agencies have deployed some form of AI solutions as a way to increase worker output and efficiency, free up staff work hours from repeatable tasks, and improve the customer experience, according to the most recent Biennial Performance Report.
While the implementation of automated solutions has helped improve efficiencies within state agencies, the technology still has its risks, according to State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake), one of the authors of HB 2060.
“We need to make sure that we have a good regulatory framework where [AI] can exist and grow here in the state of Texas,” said Capriglione, WFAA reported. Capriglione also emphasized the importance of getting the “infrastructure right” to support data centers, data networks, and broadband within state agencies.
In addition to making sure Texas agencies have the correct AI infrastructure, the council will also explore what resources and tools are needed to train workers.
“It doesn’t require just necessarily people who know how to program or know how to be architects,” Capriglione said, per WFFA. “It’s going to require people at every single level to be able to interact, interface, and work with these new particle systems.”
Agencies that receive state funds must submit an inventory report of all automated decision systems that are being developed, employed, or procured by the agency by no later than July 1, 2024.
