Generative Artificial Intelligence.  Generative artificial intelligence (AI) refers to technology that can mimic human ability to learn and create based on the underlying training data and guided by a user or prompt. Generative AI tools are therefore capable of performing complex decision-making or creative tasks typically performed by humans or with human oversight. Several forms of generative AI technology are currently widely accessible to consumers and can perform a wide range of functions. 

Task Force Created.  Subject to appropriations, a task force is created to assess current uses and trends by private and public sector entities and make recommendations to the Legislature regarding standards for the use and regulation of AI. The Office of the Attorney General must administer and provide staff support for the task force. 

Executive Committee. The task force is composed of a nine-member executive committee including one member from each of the two largest caucuses in the Senate and the House of Representatives, and one member representing each of the following organizations:

• the Office of the Governor;
• the Office of the Attorney General;
• Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech);
• the state auditor; and
• universities or research institutions that are experts in the design and effect of an algorithmic system.

Subcommittees. The Office of the Attorney General may convene subcommittees comprised of experts and relevant stakeholders to advise the task force on designated topics on an ongoing, recurring, or one-time basis. Subcommittees must contain at least one member from an advocacy organization that represents communities that are disproportionately vulnerable to being harmed by algorithmic bias. 

Executive committee or subcommittee members whose participation may be hampered by financial hardship may be compensated if they are low-income or have lived experience to support their participation.  

Meeting and Reporting. The executive committee of the task force must investigate and submit reports on several enumerated areas of concern, including, but not limited to:

• a review of public policy issues and existing protections;
• identification of high-risk uses, racial equity, and civil liberty issues; and
• recommendations for guiding principles, regulatory structures, and opportunities to support innovation.

The executive committee must hold its first meeting within 45 days of final appointments to the task force and must meet at least twice each year thereafter. The first report must be delivered by December 31, 2024. The final report must be delivered by November 1, 2025. Meeting summaries must be posted to the website of the Attorney General's Office within 30 days of any task force meeting. 

• Establishes an executive committee to perform the functions of the task force.
• Narrows down the list of members to be appointed to a nine-member executive committee.
• Authorizes the Office of the Attorney General to convene subcommittees comprised of relevant stakeholders to advise the task force on specific topics of concern.
• Requires that subcommittees contain at least one member from an advocacy organization representing communities that are vulnerable to being harmed by bias. 
• Modifies the meeting and reporting timelines of the committee.
• Requires meeting summaries to be posted to the website of the Attorney General's Office within 30 days of any meeting by the task force. 
• Authorizes compensation for subcommittee members whose participation in the task force may be hampered by financial hardship in accordance with RCW 43.03.220.
• Establishes an emergency, allowing the act to take effect immediately. 
• Modifies language throughout the act to address AI more broadly as opposed to generative AI specifically.

The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard.  PRO: AI is quickly evolving and becoming increasingly more accessible and integrated into public life. It is important to approach this issue in a manner that includes diverse perspectives and balances the potential benefits of innovation and economic opportunities with potential risks that need to be addressed. Add clear definitions. Ensure that there is an equitable composition of membership on the task force, including members with expertise. Make the task force smaller. The Task force should consider the potential impact on labor. 
 
CON: AI is an important tool that benefits the public. The state should observe caution in regulating such a complex and far-reaching topic. Concerns were expressed as to whether the task force would be bi-partisan or neutral. If the task force is to be partisan in nature, it should include conservative representation.
 
OTHER: The timeline presented in the bill is too short. The bill needs clearer definitions and scope. There should be a neutral administrator, perhaps WaTech. The federal government is already looking into regulations and there are concerns for overlapping or conflicting regulations. The concerns related to AI can be adequately addressed by existing regulatory schemes, there is no need for regulations specific to AI. Regulations may stifle innovation and commerce. A standing officer commission to operate on an ongoing basis would be a superior method of addressing the technology as it evolves.