The AI Panic Button Comes With a Penal Code
SB 20 targets obscene visual material appearing to depict a child; Patrick-world still loves solving complicated tech problems with another criminal offense.
Real Problem, Familiar Reflex
SB 20's caption says it relates to creating the criminal offense of possession, promotion, or production of certain obscene visual material appearing to depict a child.
The TLO subject listing for the bill includes Artificial Intelligence, criminal procedure, minors-crimes against, child abuse, pornography, and videotape and film.
Patrick's Favorite Tool Is Still a Hammer
No sane person is defending exploitative material. The question is whether Texas can handle an emerging technology problem with precision, oversight, and competence - or whether Austin just reaches for the biggest hammer on the wall and calls the dent a policy.
SB 20 was signed by the governor and is listed as effective on 9/1/25.
Govern Like Adults, Not Alarm Bells
Texans need laws that punish real harm and are written carefully enough to survive contact with technology, courts, and actual enforcement.
A press-conference panic button is not a substitute for durable policy.
Swap the Siren for Sanity
Vikki Goodwin is the named alternative for voters who want seriousness without the statehouse fog machine.
Ban Dan Patrick's panic-button politics. Vote for Vikki Goodwin.
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Meet the alternative: Vikki Goodwin
Texas has a choice. State Rep. Vikki Goodwin is running for Lieutenant Governor on a platform of fully funding public schools, protecting the grid, and keeping government out of small businesses it doesn't understand. If you're tired of Dan Patrick's priorities, there's somewhere else to put your vote.