Definitions

Each statute's own terms, as the law writes them.

Law checked through October 10, 2026

Artificial intelligence system: Business and Commerce Code Chapter 551; 551.001(2); A machine-based system inferring from received inputs how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments. Use this definition for TRAIGA; another statute can define the term differently.
Governmental entity: Business and Commerce Code Chapter 552; 552.001; TRAIGA defines this term for specified provisions and expressly excludes hospital districts and higher education. Section 552.051 uses governmental agency; do not transfer this exclusion without analyzing that text.
Consumer: Texas Data Privacy and Security Act; 541.001(7); For the TDPSA, a Texas resident acting in an individual or household context; an individual acting in a commercial or employment context is excluded.
Biometric identifier: Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act; 503.001(a); Retina or iris scan, fingerprint, voiceprint, or record of hand or face geometry. A photograph alone is not one of the listed identifiers.
Biometric data: Business and Commerce Code Chapter 552; 552.054(a); TRAIGA’s governmental identification provision has its own definition and exclusions, including listed photographs and information derived from them. It is not interchangeable with 503.001.
Controller and processor: Texas Data Privacy and Security Act; 541.001 and .104(d); Roles follow who determines processing purposes and means and who processes on another’s behalf. The factual relationship controls.
Automated decision system: Insurance Utilization Review; 4201.002(1-a); The insurance definition governs the utilization-review restriction. It does not supply a general definition for every Texas AI law.
Trade secret and proper means: Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act; 134A.002; Value from secrecy and reasonable secrecy measures are required. Independent development and reverse engineering are proper means unless prohibited.
Electronic agent: Texas Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; 322.002(6); A computer program or electronic or other automated means used independently to initiate an action or respond to electronic records or performances without an individual’s review or action.
Personal health record: Health Record and Diagnostic AI Requirements; 183.001; Read the chapter’s defined record and covered health care provider before applying storage or diagnostic-AI duties.
Digital forgery: TAKE IT DOWN Act; Section 2; The federal intimate-image law uses a defined digital-forgery concept; scope, consent and platform duties are stated separately.
Legal category and status: All source records; Statute, executive action, court decision and agency guidance identify the kind of authority. In effect, proposed, stayed, withdrawn and vacated identify status. Neither field substitutes for the other.