Artificial Intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to technologies that use data to train statistical models for the purpose of enabling computer systems to perform tasks normally associated with human intelligence or perception, such as computer vision, speech or natural language processing, and content generation. Generative AI tools are a specific form of AI capable of creating new content or data based on a foundational model. Such tools 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:
Subcommittees. The executive committee 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 and at least one member with relevant industry expertise. Subcommittee meeting reports and summaries must be published on the Attorney General's website.
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:
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. An interim report must be delivered by December 1, 2025, and the final report must be delivered by July 1, 2026. Meeting summaries must be posted to the website of the Attorney General's Office within 30 days of any task force meeting.
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.
The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: This will help put guardrails around the development of AI so we can help determine what's best for society. The substitute bill speeds up the timeline to achieve these discussions. People from every corner of the topic will come together to inform the state's response. This will help keep Washington at the cutting edge of the development of this technology. If not used in a supervised and regulated manner, AI algorithms have the potential to negatively impact the community, particularly with regard to security, privacy, and the protection of civil and intellectual rights. This will allow the use of the great power of AI with great responsibility.
CON: I am concerned about handing unchecked power over the development of this emerging technology to the Attorney General. This could lead to potential First Amendment and privacy violations.
OTHER: We support the concept of the task force but are concerned that business groups are not consulted and are left out of the bill entirely. We want a bill with equitable representation and clear definitions that apply to all parties. It would be a wise investment to include stakeholders like those in the retail industry that are innovating with AI. The executive committee should include industry experts, community and business leaders impacted by the regulations that will be set forth. Appropriations should be made to secure their participation in the task force. I am concerned about the partisan nature of this task force. I wonder if its members will have proper credentials and expertise, rather than representing bureaucratic agencies. This is viewpoint discrimination. The state should just adopt the Office of Management and Budget recommendations. This should evolve into a longstanding committee to evaluate all emerging technologies. All executive and subcommittee members should be required to have industry or technical expertise.