The AI landscape in Washington just got a roadmap. On Monday, the Washington State Artificial Intelligence Task Force released an interim report offering policy recommendations to the governor and legislature. Administered by the Attorney General’s Office and created by legislative action, the task force is focused on fostering AI innovation while protecting Washingtonians’ rights.
Attorney General Nick Brown highlighted both the benefits and risks of AI. "AI has the potential to create enormous benefits for our state, but unregulated deployment of this technology can entrench discrimination, erode personal privacy, and displace workers,” Brown said, according to the Attorney General's office. The task force aims to address these issues, especially as the federal government has largely abstained from AI regulation.
The interim report comes from a 19-member task force including representatives from government, industry, civil rights groups, and the community. Based on preliminary 2024 findings, the group recommends several actions: following NIST’s ethical AI principles, disclosing AI data sources, ensuring AI in healthcare is supervised by qualified clinicians, and increasing transparency in law enforcement’s use of AI.
The task force is pushing for improved K-12 STEM education and expanded broadband access to increase AI understanding and availability. It also proposes an independent body to set ethical AI employment standards and a grant program to support small businesses using AI for the public interest.
With one year until the final report, Washington leaders now have a blueprint for action. This interim report, the first of three required by ESSB 5838, outlines recommendations for balancing AI innovation with residents’ rights. Industry, civil society, and citizens are looking to the legislature and the governor’s office to implement these guidelines.
The full interim report and recommendations can be accessed on the Attorney General's office website.
