AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2026-173R, approving an updated Council Member Electronic Use Policy to be in compliance with Texas law requiring elected officials to complete annual artificial intelligence training; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to implement the policy update on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: October 7, 2026
Department: Information Technology, Mike Sturm Director of Information Technology
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Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Approval of Resolution 2025-175R on September 16, 2025
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Background Information:
Purpose
The State of Texas Government Code 2054.5191 and the Texas Artificial Intelligence Training Act, TX House Bill 3512, 2025-2026, 89th Legislature changes became effective September 1, 2025, and mandate all elected officials to complete annual Artificial Intelligence (AI) training. The training requirement was implemented in 2026. The purpose for this request is to revise the Council Member Electronic Use Policy so that it conforms to legislative changes which became effective September 1, 2025.
Background
The State laws regarding cybersecurity and artificial intelligence training apply to state agencies, local governments, and school districts, requiring local governments to certify compliance to qualify for grants, with penalties for noncompliance. The Department of Information Resources (DIR) will certify AI training programs and publish an annual list of approved programs, ensuring training aligns with state standards and supports responsible AI use across public sector organizations
Additional amendments to the policy include:
• Annual training administration shifting from the IT Department to the HR Department.
• The IT Department is still charged with ensuring that City network connections are made available only to those individuals who have completed the State-mandated training. And, the IT Department is still charged with seeking 100% compliance for the State-mandate training requirement and annual reporting to the State.
• For the Mayor and Council Members, future annual training for both Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence will be scheduled immediately following swearing-in date.
History
In 2021 the council approved Resolution 2021-051, that approved the Council Member Electronic Use Policy, Council Technology Acquisition Policy, and the Council Policy Acknowledgement Form.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommend the approval of the amendments, which were also approved by the Finance and Audit Committee during their September 22nd meeting.