Texas House Bill 149:

What Business Owners Need to Know About the New AI Law

Big Changes Are Coming for Businesses That Use AI

Starting January 1, 2026, Texas House Bill 149—officially called the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA)—will take effect. And yes, even small businesses in DFW need to pay attention.

Whether you’re running a law office in Irving, a dental practice in Southlake, or a retail shop in The Colony, if you use any technology that automates decisions or interacts with customers, this could affect you.

 What Does This Law Actually Say?

In plain English, TRAIGA is all about transparency, fairness, and privacy when it comes to using artificial intelligence (AI). Under the new law, businesses must:

✅ Tell customers when they’re interacting with AI (like chatbots or virtual assistants)
✅ Get permission before collecting biometric data (like fingerprints or facial recognition)
✅ Avoid using AI in ways that could discriminate or manipulate people
✅ Comply—or risk enforcement by the Texas Attorney General

Does This Really Affect My Business?

If you’re using tools like:

• A chatbot on your website
• A virtual receptionist or auto-responder
• Biometric check-ins for employees or patients
• Software that helps make automated decisions about hiring, pricing, or customer service…

Then yes, this law could apply to you.
Even if you didn’t build the tool yourself—if you’re using it, it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s compliant.

Real-Life Scenarios From Our Community

Let’s say you…

• Run a medical office and use a face scanner to check in patients
• Use a bot to handle intake forms at your law firm
• Let customers schedule appointments through an AI-powered tool
• Have a smart door lock at your office that uses fingerprints

In all these cases, TRAIGA means you’ll need to clearly explain what’s happening and get permission when necessary. No hidden AI. No guessing games for your clients.

Why It Matters

You didn’t sign up to be an AI expert—you just want your tech to work, keep you compliant, and help your business run smoothly.

But today’s customers are paying attention. They want to know when they’re talking to a bot. They want to trust that their data—especially sensitive data like facial scans—is being handled with care.

TRAIGA gives you a chance to build that trust—and avoid getting caught off guard by new rules.

What You Can Do Right Now

Here’s your quick-start checklist:

1. Audit your tech – Make a list of any tools that talk, learn, or automate decisions.
2. Talk to your vendors – Ask if their tools include AI or collect biometric data.
3. Update your disclosures – Make sure customers know what systems they’re interacting with.
4. Train your team – Help them understand what’s changing and why.

And if this feels like more than you want to figure out on your own? That’s what we’re here for.

We’re Your Partner in Peace of Mind

Call CMIT Solutions of Northwest DFW Today at (817) 591-1633 or Email Info@CMITSolutionsDFW.com

Because when your tech is taken care of, you get to focus on what really matters—serving your clients, growing your business, and sleeping a little easier at night.