Led by state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-98, the 13-member committee was formed in February to identify and stamp out inefficiencies in state programs through waste elimination and technology modernization.
As of this writing, 22 tech-related bills have been referred to DOGE, all but two of which are currently in committee.
Four bills relating to artificial intelligence, all authored by Capriglione, are currently in committee:
- HB 1709 and 149, both of which are cited as the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act
- HB 2818, which would establish an AI division within the Department of Information Resources (DIR)
- HB 3512, requiring annual compliance with cybersecurity and AI training for government employees and officials “who use a computer to complete at least 25 percent of the employee’s required duties”
HB 1976 calls for the creation of a digital identification program, which would allow for virtual identification solutions, updates and renewals. Included in the bill are licenses such as drivers' licenses, handgun licenses, and hunting or fishing licenses.
HB 150 would establish the Texas Cyber Command, an emergency item created by Gov. Greg Abbott to combat cyber attacks in close partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio and the state’s Regional Security Operations Centers. Some DIR duties would be transferred to the cyber command as a result.
HB 2873 would task DIR with outlining a strategic information architecture and legacy system modernization plan for state agencies with inefficient or obsolete technology systems.
HB 1598 seeks to establish a bitcoin reserve within the state treasury, allowing Texas citizens to “voluntarily donate bitcoin to promote a shared ownership and community investment in Texas’ financial future.”
A full list of bills in and out of committee can be found online.
