Compliance Stuff

  On June 22, 2025, Governor Abbott signed the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA), which will take effect January 1, 2026. Any business or government agency working with AI in Texas should take note that TRAIGA is not a copy-paste of other states’ laws; rather, it specifically targets intentional misuse of AI, not just “high-risk” AI. Unlike broader “high-risk AI” frameworks emerging in other states, TRAIGA puts intent at the center of its rules, with an emphasis on preventing deliberate misuse . It also makes meaningful changes to Texas’s privacy statutes to address AI-specific issues, particularly around biometric data and transparency obligations. Who Must Comply? Government agencies are explicitly within scope if they use AI to interact with the public. Private sector companies that develop, market, sell, or otherwise provide AI-generated content or AI services to Texas residents, even if the company is based outside the state, if its AI systems ...

Washington State has long required employers to allow employees to inspect their own personnel files, but the relevant statutes previously did not define what qualifies as a “personnel file” nor provide clear timelines for providing it . Washington State recently amended these statutes, including making three key changes: (1) defining “personnel file,” (2) establishing timelines for providing employees access to their personnel files, and (3) creating a private right of action and establishing penalties for violations. [1]   The updates go into effect July 27, 2025. Under Washington State law, employers must permit employees to inspect their own personnel files at least annually upon request. [2]  The updated statute now defines “personnel file” to include the following records: All job application records; All performance evaluations; All nonactive or closed disciplinary records; All leave and reasonable accommodation records; All payroll records; and All employment agreement...