This week, the Criminal Justice Committee passed several bills to tackle the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creating fake images of children. These "deepfakes" are manipulated images showing people doing things they never did, often involving teenagers or adults. Increasingly, technology is being used to generate child sex abuse material (CSAM) or non-consensual sexual images of adults. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that offenders are prosecuted fully, aligning Texas with 37 other states with similar laws. "Texas DPS officials testified that current law requires there must be a real, actual victim to proceed with investigations," said Phil King, Republican State Senator. A proposed bill would allow action if a reasonable person identifies a fake image as depicting a child.
In another development, the Texas Senate approved SB 5 to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). This initiative aims to create the largest brain health research center in America. If voters approve it in November, DPRIT will receive $3 billion from the current surplus. "Most of us have friends or family who have been affected by this terrible disease," King noted.
The Senate also voted to create the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This move allows the state to diversify its investments and lead in cryptocurrency resources. The bill sets up a process for investing in cryptocurrencies if chosen. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick identified this as a top priority for the legislative session.
Additionally, legislation was passed to return posting of the Ten Commandments to Texas classrooms and allow prayer in schools. Coach Joe Kennedy supported these measures after his legal battle over leading his football team in prayer resulted in a U.S. Supreme Court decision against his employer.
King also discussed legislation targeting antisemitism on college campuses and opening a Texas trade office in Israel during meetings with members of the Texas Holocaust Genocide and Anti-Semitism Commission.
Finally, King addressed the Lt. Governor’s Advisory Board about preparing for increased electricity demand due to new data centers being built in Texas.
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