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Changes to Article IX of the GAA and Other Bills of Interest to State Agencies

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Other Bills of Interest to State Agencies – Senate Bills

Senate Bill (SB) 14

Relating to reforming the procedure by which state agencies adopt rules and impose regulatory requirements and the deference given to the interpretation of laws and rules by state agencies in certain judicial proceedings. [+]

Author: King, et al.

Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2025

This bill establishes a Regulatory Efficiency Division (Division) within the Governor’s office to support state agencies in their review of rules and in developing cost benefit analyses of these rules. The Division will:

  • Identify opportunities to streamline rule adoption, regulatory review, and contested cases.
  • Assist state agencies to identify unnecessary or ineffective rules.
  • Coordinate with the Secretary of State, DIR and other state agencies to improve public access to information about state rules, forms and filings.
  • Create an interactive website for public use.
  • Coordinate with state agencies to reduce certain regulatory requirements.
    – and –
  • Prepare and publish manuals, guides or other publications.

SB 992

Relating to the procedure by which the attorney general approves or denies approval of a state agency contract for outside legal services. [+]

Author: Nichols

Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2025

This bill requires the attorney general to approve or deny contracts for outside legal services no later than 25 days after the contract is received from the requesting state agency. If the attorney general denies a contract for outside legal services, the bill requires the attorney general to provide a written explanation for the denial.

SB 1364

Relating to the repeal of wheelbase and horsepower restrictions for the state’s passenger vehicle fleet. [+]

Author: Nichols

Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2025

This bill repeals the wheelbase and horsepower restrictions for the state's passenger vehicle fleet. Current law requires all state agencies and institutions to purchase passenger vehicles with a wheelbase no longer than 113 inches and no more than 160 net horsepower.

SB 1964

Relating to the regulation and use of artificial intelligence systems and the management of data by governmental entities. [+]

Author: Parker

Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2025

This bill requires DIR to establish an AI system code of ethics for state agency use and establish regulations and programs related to the use of AI systems by state agencies. Some of the major provisions of the bill:

  • Require state agencies with fewer than 150 full-time equivalent positions to either designate a data management officer or jointly employ a data management officer with one or more state agencies. An agency data management officer is required to publish at least three high-value datasets on the Texas Open Data Portal annually.
  • Require DIR to develop educational and training materials on AI systems, as well as host statewide forums and training sessions on best practices for state government employees.
  • Establish an eight-member Public Sector Artificial Intelligence Systems Advisory Board to obtain and share information to assist state agencies that are involved with AI systems, as well as perform certain other duties.
  • Require state agencies and their vendors involved with AI systems to provide public disclosure of their public-facing systems and conduct semiannual system assessments.