Texas lawmakers made significant strides in addressing artificial intelligence governance and cybersecurity during the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce meeting on May 20, 2025. The committee adopted a substitute for House Bill 149, which establishes clear regulations for the commercial capture and storage of biometric identifiers, while also setting strict guidelines against the development of AI systems that simulate explicit content involving minors. This bill is a product of extensive stakeholder input and aims to align AI definitions with existing laws, ensuring a balanced approach to innovation and safety.

In addition to AI governance, the committee discussed House Bill 150, which proposes the creation of the Texas Scribe Command, a dedicated cyber force aimed at enhancing the state's cybersecurity posture. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics revealing that over 15 million Texans had their personal information compromised in 2024 alone. The Scribe Command will be located in San Antonio, leveraging the city's existing cybersecurity ecosystem, which includes partnerships with federal agencies and private sector firms.

The bill outlines a comprehensive strategy for cybersecurity, including a cyber threat intelligence center, an incident response unit, and a digital forensic laboratory. These components are designed to provide real-time support and resources to state agencies and local governments, ensuring a coordinated response to cyber threats.

Both House Bill 149 and House Bill 150 reflect Texas's commitment to modernizing its governance structures and enhancing public safety in the face of rapidly evolving technological challenges. As these bills move forward, they promise to strengthen the state's regulatory framework and improve the resilience of its digital infrastructure, ultimately benefiting all Texans.