OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Artificial Intelligence Task Force has released an interim report outlining eight policy recommendations aimed at encouraging technological innovation while safeguarding individual rights. The report, published Monday, was prepared for the governor and state lawmakers as part of an ongoing effort to guide the development and use of artificial intelligence across Washington.
The task force was created by the Legislature and is administered by the Attorney General’s Office. Attorney General Nick Brown said the proposals are intended to help the state harness the benefits of AI without compromising privacy, fairness, or economic stability.
“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. He added that the recommendations aim to balance growth with protections for historically marginalized or disadvantaged groups.
The report builds on preliminary findings released in late 2024 and reflects collaboration among 19 members representing government agencies, businesses, civil rights organizations, and community groups. The recommendations include:
- Using ethical and trustworthy AI principles developed by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) as the foundation for state policy.
- Requiring AI developers to publicly disclose information about the datasets used to train their models.
- Mandating that developers and deployers of high-risk AI systems—those influencing health, safety, or fundamental rights—implement and publish risk management and governance frameworks.
- Increasing investment in STEM education, AI integration in K-12 schools, and broadband access statewide.
- Ensuring that clinical decisions involving health services are made by qualified professionals, even when AI tools are used.
- Forming an independent advisory group to guide ethical AI use in employment settings.
- Requiring law enforcement agencies to disclose their use of AI tools and verify the accuracy of AI-assisted reports.
- Creating a public-private grant program to encourage AI innovation among small businesses.
The interim report is the second of three reports required under ESSB 5838, which established the task force. Its final report is due to the Legislature by July 1, 2026.
The full interim report is available on the Washington Attorney General’s Office website.
