A new committee in the Texas House of Representatives will study and recommend policy addressing the “challenges and opportunities” posed by artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, such as data privacy and cybersecurity, the Texas House of Representatives announced Tuesday. President Dade Phelan.
“AI has the ability to change the world,” Phelan, R-Beaumont, said in a press release. “But we must first consider the consequences of its various uses, including data privacy and cybersecurity concerns.”
The House Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies will examine how public and private actors are using AI and other tools, as well as their applications in sectors such as employment, health care health, internal and national security, as well as transportation, according to the proclamation establishing the committee.
The five-member group will also make “recommendations for legislative, policy, regulatory and corrective actions” for the public and private sectors.
Phelan tapped Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, a House heavyweight with a background in information technology and finance, to chair the five-member committee. Its other members are Reps. Jeff Leach, R-Plano; Oscar Longoria, D-Mission; Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, and Armando Walle, D-Houston, with three Republicans and two Democrats total.
The committee’s first report is expected on May 16. The caretaker committee is expected to disband at the start of the 89th Parliament in January.
In a social media post, Leach emphasized that the committee would seek to identify ways to make Texas “a leader in AI technology while ensuring its responsible use.”
“As the productive uses of AI continue to grow, so do the consequences,” Leach wrote in an article on X on Tuesday. “It’s time to truly weigh the pros and cons.”
The creation of the five-member committee reinforces Texas lawmakers’ stated commitment to lead technology policy at the state level during the 2025 legislative session.
Capriglione, R-Southlake, also heads the AI Advisory Councila separate group charged with studying how state government entities — not private companies — use artificial intelligence.
Capriglione and Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, created the seven-member council with the adoption of Parliamentary Bill 2060 in May. Its recommendations on potential policies and rules are expected by December.
The committee’s new chairman and other Republican state lawmakers say they aim to make Texas’ tech policy a model for other states — and other countries.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure Texas becomes the global leader in ethical AI development,” Capriglione said. wrote in an article on X on Tuesday.
This article was originally published on Austin American-Statesman: Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan creates special committee on AI
