Washington state is poised for significant regulatory changes regarding artificial intelligence, with lawmakers introducing a series of bills aimed at addressing discrimination and the use of AI in sensitive areas such as education and mental health. These new proposals are set to impact various sectors, including HR software providers and generative AI platforms active in the state.
Among the key legislation is HB 2157, which targets high-risk AI systems that influence critical decisions related to employment, housing, and healthcare. Companies utilizing such systems will need to evaluate and manage discrimination risks, inform users when they are interacting with AI, and clarify the role of AI in any adverse outcomes. This bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and does not cover low-risk AI applications like basic chatbots.
Additionally, SB 5984, initiated by Governor Bob Ferguson, mandates ongoing disclosures from AI chatbots, confirming their non-human status. These legislative efforts come amid a lack of federal oversight on AI, prompting states like Washington to fill the regulatory void as they seek to protect residents from potential harms associated with AI technologies.