Delivery of Government Efficiency

Texas Senate Bill 1964 requires state and local government agencies to track and report on their use of artificial intelligence systems, particularly those making decisions affecting access to government services (like benefits or permits). The bill defines "heightened scrutiny AI systems" as those autonomously influencing such decisions and mandates agencies to inventory these systems, document their purpose, assess risks, and confirm compliance with ethics standards. Agencies must also include AI systems in regular technology infrastructure reviews, detailing how each supports agency goals and strategic plans. This focuses on transparency and accountability for AI use in public services, not restricting AI deployment.

SB 21 establishes the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve as a special fund outside the state treasury, managed by the comptroller of public accounts. The bill authorizes the state to invest in Bitcoin using defined custody methods, including "cold storage" (offline, physically secured storage) and requiring investments through "qualified custodians" (regulated financial institutions). This directly affects how the state manages certain funds, allowing the comptroller to allocate state resources into Bitcoin for financial resilience. The law became effective immediately upon the governor's signature on June 20, 2025.

SB 370 amends Texas public records law to protect the home address, phone number, and social security number of spouses, children, or surviving spouses of current or former employees in the Attorney General's office or Public Defender's office from public disclosure. It adds these family members to an existing exemption list that already covers law enforcement personnel, ensuring their personal information remains confidential. The bill directly affects family members of these specific government employees by preventing their sensitive details from being accessible through public records requests. This change became effective September 1, 2025, after Governor's signature on June 20, 2025.

SB 2610 creates Chapter 542 in Texas law requiring businesses that handle sensitive personal information to implement reasonable cybersecurity programs. It makes businesses liable to individuals who suffer economic harm after a data breach caused by failure to follow these standards. Businesses meet the "reasonable" standard by adopting recognized frameworks like NIST, ISO 27000, or industry-specific standards (e.g., HIPAA for healthcare). The law applies specifically to breaches involving sensitive personal data and does not affect existing legal remedies available to the Attorney General.

SB 1540 requires Texas to maintain the confidentiality of personal information for election officials and their employees, preventing public disclosure of details like home addresses and phone numbers. The bill amends Texas Government Code Section 552.1175 to explicitly protect this information from public records requests. It applies directly to current and former election officials and their staff across Texas, aiming to enhance their privacy and safety. The law was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.