As California lawmakers flood the legislature with over 30 artificial intelligence-related bills, business leaders warn that the state’s overregulation is pushing tech innovators out. From Senate Bills 243 and 420 to sweeping proposals around impersonation tools, biometric data, and employer AI use, the regulatory patchwork is sowing confusion and driving up compliance costs.
In contrast, Texas is emerging as a haven for AI-driven enterprises. With the passage of House Bill 149, the Responsible AI Governance Act, Texas is charting a pro-innovation course. The new law prohibits harmful uses of AI, protects biometric information, and establishes a 36-month regulatory sandbox that gives companies space to experiment with new technologies. Backed by an advisory council made up of real-world experts, the legislation reflects a collaborative approach between policymakers and the business community to support growth without compromising safety, as reported by The Sacramento Bee.
This business-friendly environment is already yielding results. Companies like ABBYY, Cognigy, and SmartAction are increasingly setting their sights on tech hubs like Austin and Dallas, drawn by Texas’s clear policies and low-tax ecosystem. Meanwhile, energy and manufacturing firms are leaving California, citing regulatory fatigue and a lack of flexibility. For tech entrepreneurs seeking to scale up without interference, Texas offers a compelling alternative: supportive governance and access to a growing innovation network.
Texas leaders are also working to ensure that small businesses aren’t left behind. Statewide initiatives aim to boost AI literacy among entrepreneurs, giving them the tools to compete in a fast-changing economy. As the AI sector rapidly evolves, Texas is positioning itself as a national model for how to regulate emerging technologies, not with fear or restriction, but through partnership and practicality.
