{"id":761,"date":"2025-06-26T07:37:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T12:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/southlake-tx-1197\/?p=761"},"modified":"2025-06-26T08:39:43","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T13:39:43","slug":"what-small-business-owners-in-texas-need-to-know-about-the-new-ai-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/southlake-tx-1197\/blog\/what-small-business-owners-in-texas-need-to-know-about-the-new-ai-law\/","title":{"rendered":"What Business Owners Need to Know About the New AI Law"},"content":{"rendered":"

Texas House Bill 149: <\/strong><\/h1>\n

What Business Owners Need to Know About the New AI Law<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\n

Big Changes Are Coming for Businesses That Use AI<\/h3>\n

Starting January 1, 2026<\/strong>, Texas House Bill 149\u2014officially called the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA)<\/strong>\u2014will take effect. And yes, even small businesses in DFW need to pay attention.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0What Does This Law Actually Say?<\/h3>\n

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

\u2705 Tell customers<\/strong> when they\u2019re interacting with AI (like chatbots or virtual assistants)
\n\u2705 Get permission<\/strong> before collecting biometric data (like fingerprints or facial recognition)
\n\u2705 Avoid using AI<\/strong> in ways that could discriminate or manipulate people
\n\u2705 Comply<\/strong>\u2014or risk enforcement by the Texas Attorney General<\/p>\n

\n

Does This Really Affect My Business?<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re using tools like:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • A chatbot<\/strong> on your website<\/li>\n
  • A virtual receptionist<\/strong> or auto-responder<\/li>\n
  • Biometric check-ins<\/strong> for employees or patients<\/li>\n
  • Software that helps make automated decisions<\/strong> about hiring, pricing, or customer service…<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Then yes, this law could apply to you.
    \nEven if you didn\u2019t build the tool yourself\u2014if you\u2019re using it, it\u2019s your responsibility to make sure it\u2019s compliant.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Real-Life Scenarios From Our Community<\/h3>\n

    Let\u2019s say you…<\/p>\n

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

      In all these cases, TRAIGA means you\u2019ll need to clearly explain what\u2019s happening and get permission when necessary. No hidden AI. No guessing games for your clients.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Why It Matters<\/h3>\n

      You didn\u2019t sign up to be an AI expert\u2014you just want your tech to work, keep you compliant, and help your business run smoothly.<\/p>\n

      But today\u2019s customers are paying attention. They want to know when they\u2019re talking to a bot<\/strong>. They want to trust that their data\u2014especially sensitive data like facial scans\u2014is being handled with care.<\/p>\n

      TRAIGA gives you a chance to build that trust<\/strong>\u2014and avoid getting caught off guard by new rules.<\/p>\n

      \n

      What You Can Do Right Now<\/h3>\n

      Here\u2019s your quick-start checklist:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Audit your tech<\/strong> \u2013 Make a list of any tools that talk, learn, or automate decisions.<\/li>\n
      2. Talk to your vendors<\/strong> \u2013 Ask if their tools include AI or collect biometric data.<\/li>\n
      3. Update your disclosures<\/strong> \u2013 Make sure customers know what systems they\u2019re interacting with.<\/li>\n
      4. Train your team<\/strong> \u2013 Help them understand what\u2019s changing and why.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        And if this feels like more than you want to figure out on your own? That\u2019s what we\u2019re here for.<\/p>\n

        \n

        We\u2019re Your Partner in Peace of Mind<\/h3>\n

        Call CMIT Solutions of Northwest DFW Today at<\/strong> (817) 591-1633 or Email Info@CMITSolutionsDFW.com<\/strong><\/h4>\n

        Because when your tech is taken care of, you get to focus on what really matters\u2014serving your clients, growing your business, and sleeping a little easier at night.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Texas House Bill 149: What Business Owners Need to Know About the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":309,"featured_media":765,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-it"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t