📅 2026 Update: Changes in Texas Consumer Protection

Since the original article was published, important updates have occurred in Texas regarding consumer protection. One significant change is the introduction of the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA), which takes effect on January 1, 2026. This act aims to safeguard consumers from harmful artificial intelligence practices.

Details about filing complaints and other processes remain relevant and will be discussed further down the page.

🤖 New AI Regulations

The Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) provides new protections for consumers. This law requires businesses to clearly inform consumers when they interact with artificial intelligence. It also prohibits AI practices that could manipulate or discriminate against individuals.

These changes aim to ensure safer use of AI technology in Texas.

📝 Free Complaint Filing

Filing a consumer complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Office continues to be free of charge. This allows consumers to report issues without worrying about costs. Whether it’s about false advertising or data privacy, submitting a complaint can be done easily and at no expense.

📄 Updated Complaint Forms

Consumers now have specific forms to address different issues. The General Complaint Form handles problems like billing disputes and scams. For privacy concerns, the Privacy Complaint Form is available.

A new AI Complaint Form has been added for issues related to artificial intelligence misuse, reflecting the new regulations.

⏳ Complaint Processing Times

The Texas Attorney General's Office sends an automated email right after a complaint is submitted. While the office does not resolve individual complaints, it reviews submissions to monitor business practices. Consumers can track their complaints using a unique complaint number received via email.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🤖 New AI regulations protect consumers.
  • 📝 Filing complaints is still free of charge.
  • 📄 Various forms are available for different issues.
  • ⏳ Complaints are acknowledged quickly but not individually resolved.
  • 📜 The office monitors complaints to improve business practices.

💡 Tips for Filing Complaints

Review the details of your situation with your attorney.

🗂️ Gather Essential Information

Before filing a complaint, collect all relevant information. This includes the business name, address, and a description of the issue. Having transaction details and any prior correspondence can make the process smoother.

💻 Use the Correct Form

Make sure to use the appropriate complaint form. The General Complaint Form is for issues like misleading advertisements, while the Privacy Complaint Form is for privacy violations. For AI-related problems, use the new AI Complaint Form.

📧 Confirm Your Submission

After you submit your complaint, look for a confirmation email. This email will contain a unique complaint number. Keep this number for future reference or if you need to follow up.

📬 Consider Mail-In Complaints

If you prefer to file a complaint by mail, you can send your form to the Texas Attorney General's Office. Make sure to include all necessary information and send it to the correct address to avoid delays.

🆓 Use Free Resources

Take advantage of free resources available for consumer education. The Consumer Protection Division offers assistance with filing complaints and provides educational materials on consumer rights. This can help you understand your rights better.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What types of complaints can I file with the Texas Attorney General?

You can file complaints about false, misleading, or deceptive business practices, unlawful collection of personal information, and misuse of artificial intelligence practices.

📅 Is there a deadline for filing a complaint?

There is no specific deadline for filing a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office. However, it is encouraged to report issues promptly to address them effectively.

📬 Can I file a complaint anonymously?

While you can submit a complaint, the process may require personal information for follow-up. Complaints are public records, but you can inquire about confidentiality options.

📞 Will the Texas Attorney General's Office represent me?

The Office of the Attorney General cannot represent individuals in legal actions or provide legal advice. They focus on monitoring business practices for consumer protection.

🛡️ What is the Texas Open Records Act?

The Texas Open Records Act allows the public to access certain records, including complaints filed with the Attorney General's Office. This transparency helps monitor business practices.

🤔 How can I learn more about my consumer rights?

You can learn more about your consumer rights by visiting the Consumer Protection Division's website. They provide educational resources on various topics, including fraud prevention and rights under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Consumer Protection

Recent court rulings have highlighted issues surrounding consumer rights and protections in Texas. These cases reflect ongoing efforts to enforce laws and regulations that protect consumers from unfair business practices.

For more recent rulings, explore more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



What is the Attorney General Texas?



The Texas Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the state of Texas. The Office of the Attorney General Texas was first established through executive ordinance of the state’s government in 1836. Under the state’s constitution, in 1845, the Texas Attorney General was appointed by the governor; however, the office was made elective in 1850 via a constitutional amendment. The Texas Attorney General is elected to a four-year term, but the individual elected may be re-elected to serve additional terms.



What does the Attorney General of Texas do?



The Texas Attorney General is charged the Texas constitution to defend the laws and the writings within the constitution. Additionally, the Attorney General Texas must represent the state in litigation and approve bond issues present in the public.



To fulfill these various responsibilities, the elected official will serve as legal counsel to all coordinating boards and agencies of the Texas state government, issue legal opinions when requested by the governor, head various state agencies and other officials as provided by statute and sit as the ex-officio member of state committees and commissions.



The Attorney General Child Support division is one of the most comprehensive government departments in the state. The Attorney General Child Support division oversees all litigation issues connected to child support matters, such as custody and payment issues. If an individual is seeking child support payments or is looking to initiate legal action against a defaulted party, the Attorney General Child Support division will handle all inquiries and general matters concerning the child support issue.



The Attorney General of Texas will also defend all challenges made to Texas law and suits filed against both state agencies and the individual employees of Texas. These various duties will include representing the Director of the State’s Criminal Justice in appeals from convictions rendered in federal courts.

Texas Attorney General


In addition to these roles, the Office of the Attorney General Texas will also act as a law enforcement agency and as such, will employ a staff of sworn peace officers, who investigate special classes of offenses, pursuit fugitives and conduct investigations at the requests of local prosecutors. The office is also formally responsible for overseeing proceedings to secure child support and investigations revolving around Medicaid Fraud.



The Attorney General Texas:



Republican Greg Abbott is the current Attorney General of Texas. Abbot was elected on December 2nd of 2002 where he assumed office from fellow Republican John Cornyn, who was elected to the United States Senate.



Greg Abbot, prior to assuming the office of Texas Attorney General, was a justice on the Texas Supreme Court—a position he was appointed to by-then Governor George W. Bush. Abbott received his B.B.A in finance from the University of Texas and his J.D. from the Vanderbilt University Law School. Abbot resigned from the state Supreme Court in 2001, where he then defeated the Democratic nominee, Kirk Watson, for the position of Texas Attorney General.



Criminal Justice Duties of the Texas Attorney General:



The Attorney General of Texas presides over an executive department administered in Austin. The department oversees numerous public services, including processing Texas State Identification Cards, administering the Texas Criminal Justice Data Center, running the Missing Child Center, the Child Support Enforcement Agency, the Children Task Force, Tobacco Enforcement Unit etc.



The Legal Process and Procedure of the Attorney General Texas:



Administrative Law and the Texas Attorney General:



In addition to serving as the primary prosecuting attorney on behalf of the State of Texas, the Attorney General Texas also serves as the chief advocate of legislature and statutory regulation existing within the State of Texas



Common Law and the Texas Attorney General:



In many cases, the Attorney General Texas will employ the legal ideology of ‘Stare Decisis’ with regard to appellate hearings requested within the State of Texas; Stare Decisis facilitates a hierarchy with regard to legal venue, within which the process of appeals is determined for potential hearings



Upon the ruling set forth by a court classified as a ‘lower’, an appeal may be subject to judicial review by a court ‘classified as ‘higher’ only in the event that the ‘higher court’ has cited fault within the initial sentencing; however, case decisions, rulings, and Texas Attorney General Texas judicial review will be cited as primary sources with regard to sentencing



Contacting the Texas Attorney General:



The Texas Attorney General’s Office is located at 300 W. 15th Street in Austin, Texas 78701. The main department may be reached via telephone at 512-463-2100. The Consumer Protection hotline of the TX Attorney General Office may be reached via telephone at 800-621-0508. Furthermore, the Child Support State Office may be reached via phone at 512-460-6000.