TX HB3512: Relating to artificial intelligence training programs for certain employees and officials of state agencies and local governments.

In one paragraph

Texas's HB 3512 adds AI training to the state's annual cybersecurity training requirement. At least once a year, state agency employees who use a computer for at least 25% of their duties, and each elected or appointed agency officer, must complete an AI training program certified by the Department of Information Resources (DIR), as must local government employees and officials who have access to a local government computer system or database and use a computer for at least 25% of their duties. DIR must certify at least five programs each year, equal in length to the cybersecurity courses. Signed June 20, 2025; effective September 1, 2025.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

No duties for businesses. Covered state agency and local government employees and officials must complete a DIR-certified AI training program each year (in school districts, only the cybersecurity coordinator must do so annually).

Key provisions

1. 1State agencies: employees identified as using a computer for at least 25% of their required duties, and each elected or appointed officer, must complete a certified cybersecurity training program and a certified AI training program at least once a year; the agency head verifies completion as DIR specifies (Gov't Code § 2054.5191(a), (c))
2. 2Local governments: at least once a year, identify employees and elected and appointed officials who have access to a local government computer system or database and use a computer for at least 25% of their duties, and require them to complete both programs; the governing body selects the programs, verifies and reports completion to DIR, and requires periodic audits (§ 2054.5191(a-1), (b))
3. 3School districts: only the district's cybersecurity coordinator must complete the cybersecurity and AI training annually; other employees required to take it complete it as the district determines (Educ. Code § 11.175(h-1))
4. 4DIR, consulting an AI advisory board or council attached to it and other interested persons, must annually certify at least five AI training programs for state and local government employees, update certification standards, and keep the programs equal in length to the certified cybersecurity programs; it publishes the list yearly and may certify agency or local government programs or contract with an independent third party to certify (§ 2054.5193)
5. 5Certified programs must focus on how AI may be used in relation to a state employee's responsibilities and duties and teach best practices on literacy in deploying and operating AI technologies (§ 2054.5193(b))
6. 6State agency strategic plans must certify compliance with the AI training; a local government applying for a grant under Government Code Chapter 772 must certify compliance, and if the criminal justice division finds it did not comply, it must repay the grant and is ineligible for another such grant until the second anniversary of the determination (§§ 772.012, 2056.002)
7. 7Signed by the Governor June 20, 2025; effective September 1, 2025; DIR must adopt rules for the training programs as soon as practicable

Latest legislative action

Jun 20, 2025. Signed by the Governor; effective on 9/1/25

Sponsors (showing 5 of 15)

Roll call votes