HB 149

"🔴 HB 149 – The AI Bill That Sounds Smart but Strips Away Your Right to Fight Back

Texas just passed HB 149...the “Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act”. Sounds like progress, right? The name alone makes it feel like we’re finally getting serious about regulating AI.

But here’s what actually happened behind that polished title:

HB 149 sets up new rules for how artificial intelligence systems can be used across the state. It says government and businesses can’t use AI to create child porn, impersonate kids, or “socially score” people like China does. That part’s good.

But the fine print? That’s where your rights disappear.

Let’s break it down.

🔒 You can’t sue...even if you’re harmed.
HB 149 says only the Texas Attorney General can enforce it. If an AI system discriminates against you, invades your privacy, denies you housing, or emotionally harms your child? You have no right to take it to court. You’re stuck waiting for the AG’s office to decide whether it’s worth their time.

🛑 Cities can’t protect you either.
Even if your city wants to pass stronger AI protections...like banning facial recognition in traffic stops, or limiting bias in school discipline algorithms...they can’t. HB 149 blocks every city, county, and school district from setting local AI rules. All power is pulled up to the state.

🧪 Private companies get a “sandbox” to experiment...without full accountability.
The bill creates a “regulatory sandbox” for AI developers. If you’re selected, you don’t have to follow the law while testing new tools. There’s no requirement for public review, performance audits, or clear limits on what they can charge or use. That’s not innovation...it’s insulation.

🕳️ No transparency. No local voice. No appeals.
There’s no public database of who’s using AI systems in state services. No way to challenge bad decisions. And no guarantee the tech being tested is safe, unbiased, or even legal under federal rules.

So who’s pushing for this?

✅ Tech industry lobby groups like TechNet and Clearview AI...who benefit from fewer restrictions on facial recognition and biometric data
✅ The Texas Public Policy Foundation...who wants centralized, deregulated AI policy
✅ Business PACs who don’t want local governments telling them what software they can or can’t use

And who’s left out?

❌ Local governments trying to protect their communities
❌ Texans harmed by AI in housing, healthcare, law enforcement, or education
❌ Watchdog groups who now have no legal standing to challenge harm

This isn’t just a tech bill. It’s a power shift bill.

HB 149 takes control away from communities and hands it to the state...with no requirement that the state act when things go wrong.

And it sets a precedent: If the AG-only model works here, expect it to show up in future laws dealing with healthcare, education, and public benefits automation.

📬 Bottom line: HB 149 says Texans can’t hold AI developers or agencies accountable...not in court, not locally, and not through any clear public process. It protects innovation, yes. But it also protects bad actors from being challenged.

If you believe people...not just corporations or state officials...should have the right to fight back when they’re harmed by AI, this bill should concern you.

🔴 #HB149 #AIinTexas #AccountabilityMatters #TexasPolicy #WatchTheDetails

Quick ask, y’all...likes help the algorithm, but shares are what get the truth out.

If this bill affects you, your kids, your patients, your neighbors...please share it.

Too many Texans don’t know what’s being signed into law. And if we don’t share it, they won’t hear it. These bills move quietly. The consequences don’t.

It’s not about going viral. It’s about making sure the people who need to know...do know.

So if this post made you pause, think, or get fired up… don’t just like it. Send it. Share it. Say something.

We don’t get transparency unless we demand it together."