Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2060

Filed
2/8/23  
Out of House Committee
4/4/23  
Voted on by House
4/20/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/19/23  
Voted on by Senate
5/24/23  
Governor Action
6/13/23  

Caption

Relating to the creation of the artificial intelligence advisory council.

Impact

The bill's implementation will likely affect state governance significantly. The advisory council, composed of legislative members and experts in AI and ethics, will monitor and study the use of AI across state agencies. A key mandate includes reviewing inventory reports of automated decision systems, thus promoting greater transparency in how AI technologies impact the decision-making processes in public service. In offering recommendations, the council is positioned to advocate for ethical practices that mitigate risks associated with AI systems, thereby influencing state policy direction in technology use.

Summary

House Bill 2060 aims to establish an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council within the Texas government. The primary purpose of this council is to evaluate artificial intelligence products and services used by state agencies. It will also assess the need for a code of ethics governing AI usage and develop policies that ensure privacy and protect the interests of Texas residents when these technologies are deployed. The bill highlights the promise and potential risks of integrating AI further into governmental processes, underscoring an objective to balance innovation with safeguarding constitutional rights.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2060 appears generally favorable, as members from both political parties recognize the importance of addressing the challenges posed by AI in government. However, the bill also raises concerns regarding privacy implications and the potential for autonomous decision-making systems to infringe on individuals' rights. Advocacy for an ethical framework illustrates a collaborative approach to governance in the face of rapid technological advancement, reflecting a growing awareness among lawmakers about the implications of AI.

Contention

While there was support for the establishment of the advisory council, various points of contention surfaced during discussions. Opponents of the bill expressed concerns about the adequacy of oversight and the potential for misapplication of AI decisions that could negatively affect residents' rights and freedoms. The timeframe for the council to submit findings and recommendations raises questions about the readiness of state infrastructure to handle these advanced technologies. Balancing the promotion of AI innovations while ensuring strict ethical standards will be key to the future assessments and policies developed under HB 2060.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 2054. Information Resources
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 621
    • Section: 622
    • Section: 623
    • Section: 624
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 623
    • Section: 622

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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