Understanding Texas AI Training Requirements

Texas House Bill 3512 (89th Legislative Session) established new AI awareness training requirements for state and local government employees. This requirement is similar in format and structure to the state's cybersecurity awareness training program.

Texas Government Code Section 2054.5193 requires the Department of Information Resources (DIR), in consultation with the Public Sector AI Systems Advisory Board, to certify AI training programs for state and local government employees.

Government Code Section 2054.5191 mandates that state and local government employees and officials complete a certified AI awareness training program annually.

Annual Compliance Deadline

Government entities must certify their compliance with the training requirements by August 31 each year using the DIR Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Training Certification form.

Who Needs AI Awareness Training?

The following employees and officials are required to complete annual AI awareness training.

State Agency Employees

Employees who use a computer to complete at least 25 percent of their required duties, plus elected or appointed officers of the agency.

Local Government Employees

Employees who have access to a local government computer system or database and use a computer to perform at least 25 percent of their required duties.

Elected & Appointed Officials

Elected or appointed officials who have access to a local government computer system or database and use a computer to perform at least 25 percent of their duties.

School Districts

For school districts, only the district's cybersecurity coordinator is required to complete annual AI training. Any other school district employee required to complete the AI training shall complete the training as determined by the district, with the district's cybersecurity coordinator. Elected officials are subject to local government training requirements.

Training Program Requirements

DIR-certified AI training programs must meet specific standards.

Understanding AI Technology

Focus on forming an understanding of how artificial intelligence technology may be used in relation to a state employee's responsibilities and duties.

AI Literacy Best Practices

Teach best practices on literacy in deploying and operating artificial intelligence technologies.

Equivalent Training Length

AI training programs must be equal in length to DIR-certified cybersecurity training programs.

DIR Certification

Training programs must be certified by DIR in consultation with the Public Sector AI Systems Advisory Board.

Exceptions to Training Requirements

The training requirements do not apply to employees and officials who have been:

  • Granted military leave
  • Granted leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
  • Granted leave related to a sickness or disability covered by workers' compensation benefits (if no longer having system access)
  • Granted any other type of extended leave or authorization to work from an alternative work site (if no longer having system access)
  • Denied access to a local government entity's computer system or database for noncompliance with training requirements

Government AI Academy Training Program

Our comprehensive AI Awareness Training program is designed to meet all Texas HB 3512 requirements.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Covers all required topics including AI fundamentals, responsible use, ethics, and practical applications in government settings.

Self-Paced Learning

Complete the training on your own schedule with our flexible, on-demand platform accessible from any device.

Certificate of Completion

Receive documentation of your training completion for compliance reporting to DIR.

Government-Focused Content

Real-world examples and scenarios specifically relevant to state and local government operations.

Expert-Developed

Created by government technology professionals with decades of public sector experience.

Compliance Tracking

Easy-to-use reporting tools to help your organization track and verify employee completion.

Ready to Meet Your AI Training Requirements?

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