Artificial intelligence was one of the bigger emerging policy topics during the 2026 legislative session, with two AI-related bills passing the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ferguson on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
HB 1170 addresses disclosure and provenance standards for certain AI-generated or materially altered content. WR was initially opposed to the bill, but through stakeholder work with prime sponsor Rep. Clyde Shavers and the business community, including WR, AWB, TechNet, and WTIA, the legislation improved significantly, and WR ultimately moved to a neutral position. The final bill focuses on large, covered providers and includes limits related to business-to-business uses and certain consumer-facing exclusions.
HB 2225, Governor-request legislation, was intended to address high-risk AI companion chatbots, particularly those affecting youth. WR supported the bill’s intent but monitored it closely and worked with Rep. Callan, the Governor’s Office legislative team, and industry partners to ensure the measure targeted high-risk uses of AI without sweeping in retailers’ routine use of chatbots and other tools designed to improve the customer experience. WR is neutral on the final bill. The enacted measure focuses on AI companion chatbots and includes added transparency, safety, and youth protection requirements.
The discussion around AI public policy is only going to grow from here. WR members interested in joining the member-only AI workgroup are encouraged to contact Director of Policy & Government Affairs Crystal Leatherman at [email protected] or 360-884-0771.
