The bill aims to promote the economic development of innovative uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in Washington state, recognizing its potential to enhance public safety, government efficiency, and economic growth. It establishes a framework for the Department of Commerce to support AI development by soliciting input from an artificial intelligence task force, pursuing federal funding, and reporting on progress every two years. The bill also defines "artificial intelligence" and outlines specific state priorities, such as wildfire tracking and cybersecurity, that will benefit from AI advancements. This section of the bill is set to expire on June 30, 2035.
Additionally, the bill mandates the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to study and report on opportunities for AI development by June 30, 2027. The task force, which is established to assess current AI uses and trends, will provide recommendations to the legislature regarding guidelines and potential legislation for AI systems. The task force will focus on various issues, including ethical considerations, algorithmic discrimination, and public safety, and is required to submit preliminary and interim reports leading up to a final report by July 1, 2026. The bill includes provisions for diverse representation within the task force and outlines the responsibilities of its members.