Washington State's HB 2157 regulates high-risk artificial intelligence systems that make consequential decisions affecting major life areas like housing, employment, healthcare, loans, and education. It applies to developers (with over $100,000 annual revenue) and deployers operating in Washington who use AI systems for these decisions. The law prohibits algorithmic discrimination - unlawful bias based on protected characteristics - and requires systems to be designed and tested to prevent such outcomes, while excluding research activities and certain facial recognition uses.
HB 1168 requires commercial developers of generative AI systems (like text or image tools) to publicly document the data used to train their systems by January 1, 2026. This includes disclosing sources, types, and handling of training data - such as whether personal information or artificially created data was used - before releasing the AI to Washington users. Developers must post this documentation on their websites, with exemptions for AI focused solely on security, aircraft operations, or national defense. Violations carry $5,000 daily fines enforceable by the state attorney general, aiming to increase public awareness of AI development practices.
Substitute House Bill 1205 creates new provisions under the crime of criminal impersonation in the second degree. It prohibits the knowing distribution of a "forged digital likeness" of another person. A forged digital likeness is defined as a digitally altered visual or audio representation of an identifiable individual that misrepresents their appearance or speech and is likely to deceive. This applies when the distribution is done with intent to defraud, harass, threaten, intimidate, or for any other unlawful purpose. The bill includes exemptions for uses such as art, commentary, satire, news, and other matters of public interest, and protects online service providers from liability for content provided by others.
HB 1942 creates a state program to support economic growth through innovative artificial intelligence (AI) applications. It requires the state department to collaborate with an AI task force quarterly, seek federal grants and private funding for small businesses developing AI solutions, and issue biennial reports starting in 2026 on progress, funding obtained, and state priorities. The bill also mandates a study by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to identify AI opportunities in areas like wildfire management and healthcare by 2027, with the main program expiring in 2035. This directly affects state agencies, small businesses, and the AI task force.
HB 1170 requires large artificial intelligence providers (with over 1 million monthly users) to disclose when content they generate is AI-made. It mandates two types of disclosures: clear, visible labels ("manifest") and hidden metadata ("latent") identifying the AI system, creator, and timestamp. The bill also requires free, accessible AI detection tools for users to verify content origin, while prohibiting providers from collecting personal data through these tools. Excluded are video games, movies, and streaming content, focusing the rule on generative AI services like text or image tools.
House Bill 1833 establishes the Spark Act Grant Program in Washington state, designed to support startups, research institutions, and companies developing innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The Department of Commerce will administer these grants, which will be funded through a dedicated account receiving legislative appropriations, private donations, and federal funds. Grants will be awarded annually, prioritizing applicants committed to ethical AI use, risk analysis, small businesses, and projects with statewide impact such as wildfire tracking, cybersecurity, or healthcare advancements. Eligible applicants must propose technology that will be shared with and provide a benefit to the state, with the program's progress and impact reported biennially.
