This bill amends existing laws to allow for collective bargaining over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the workplace, specifically affecting employees' wages and performance evaluations. It introduces new definitions for "artificial intelligence" and outlines the conditions under which employers must negotiate the adoption or modification of AI technology. Notably, employers are not required to bargain if the changes are part of updates made by third parties to existing technology. The bill also clarifies that contracts in effect prior to the enactment of these provisions will remain unaffected until they expire or are renewed.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing statutes related to collective bargaining for employees of higher education institutions and Washington management service members. It specifies that institutions of higher education and their exclusive bargaining representatives cannot bargain over certain management rights, including the use of technology, except as provided in the new sections regarding AI. The bill also establishes that if specific funding for its implementation is not provided by a certain date, the act will be null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.56.021, 41.80.020, 28B.10.550, 41.80.430
Substitute Bill: 41.56.021, 41.80.020, 28B.10.550, 41.80.430
Engrossed Substitute: 41.56.021, 41.80.020, 28B.10.550, 41.80.430
Second substitute: 41.56.021, 41.80.020, 28B.10.550, 41.80.430