89R17835 SCR-D By: Schwertner S.B. No. 2966 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to establishing a framework to govern the use of artificial intelligence systems in critical decision-making by private companies and ensure consumer protections; authorizing a civil penalty. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 11, Business & Commerce Code, is amended by adding Chapter 551 to read as follows: CHAPTER 551. ALGORITHMIC ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS Sec. 551.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Artificial intelligence system" means any machine learning-based system that, for any explicit or implicit objective, infers from the inputs such system receives how to generate outputs, including content, decisions, predictions, and recommendations, that can influence physical or virtual environments. (2) "Consequential decision" means any decision that has a material, legal, or similarly significant effect on a consumer. Sec. 551.002. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FRAMEWORK. A private company that uses an artificial intelligence system to make a consequential decision shall establish a framework to govern the use of the system to ensure protection of consumers. Sec. 551.003. CIVIL PENALTY. A private company that violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed one dollar. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.