The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened on March 4, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for child safety, particularly in relation to child exploitation and the creation of harmful visual content. The meeting was initiated by the chair, who outlined the purpose of the hearing: to consider legislation aimed at combating AI-generated child abuse material and deep fakes.

The chair emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that technology has made it easier for predators to create and distribute offensive materials that exploit children. He referenced a Supreme Court ruling from 1982, which established that child exploitation material does not receive First Amendment protections, and highlighted that 37 states have already enacted similar laws to address AI-related child exploitation.

The committee proceeded to discuss five bills designed to enhance legal protections for children. The first bill, Senate Bill 20, introduced by Senator Flores, aims to create a new criminal offense concerning obscene visual material depicting minors, regardless of whether the images are real or computer-generated. This bill classifies offenses based on the nature of the material and prior convictions, with penalties escalating for repeat offenders.

Senator Huffman then presented Senate Bill 1621, which revises existing child exploitation statutes to include AI-generated content. This bill establishes clear definitions for both real and computer-generated depictions of children and outlines penalties for possession or distribution of such materials.

Senator Hinojosa introduced Senate Bill 441, focusing on civil liability related to the misuse of AI in creating non-consensual intimate visual materials, commonly known as deep fakes. This legislation aims to hold individuals and platforms accountable for the unauthorized production and distribution of such content, providing victims with legal recourse and establishing a framework for civil lawsuits.

Throughout the meeting, committee members expressed their commitment to prioritizing child protection and addressing the evolving challenges posed by technology. The chair concluded the session by inviting public testimony and indicating that the committee would vote on each bill following the discussions.

The meeting underscored the Texas Legislature's proactive approach to safeguarding children from emerging threats associated with AI and deep fake technology, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for updated legal frameworks in response to rapid technological advancements.