Technology

passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 5188: Concerning broadband infrastructure repair loans.

SB 5188 expands an existing grant and loan program to include funding for the repair and replacement of middle mile and last mile broadband infrastructure. This program, administered by the board in collaboration with the office, aims to promote access to broadband service in unserved areas of Washington. Eligible applicants, such as local governments, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations, can apply for grants and loans. The bill outlines detailed application procedures and allows existing broadband service providers to submit objections to proposed projects under specific conditions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands broadband infrastructure funding to improve internet access in unserved areas, directly advancing internet access as a core technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1360: Concerning advancement of quantum economic development.

HB 1360 establishes a state advisory committee to advance quantum technology economic development, including members from the lieutenant governor's office, state agencies, higher education, aerospace companies, quantum hardware/software firms, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The committee must produce annual reports to the legislature and a workforce development plan by June 2026, with all activities expiring June 30, 2027. It also creates a state grant program to help organizations secure federal quantum technology funding, requiring applicants to provide matching funds at a 5:1 ratio (state grant to applicant contribution). The bill directly affects state agencies, Washington-based quantum technology companies, and research institutions collaborating on federal grant applications.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes advisory committee and grant program to advance quantum technology economic development, directly funding and promoting industry growth.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1057: Promoting economic development by increasing support for local communities to access federal funds.

HB 1057 creates a state fund to help Washington communities secure federal economic development grants by providing matching dollars. It directly affects local governments, rural areas, tribes, nonprofits, and businesses seeking federal funds for projects like broadband, housing, infrastructure, and workforce training. Key mechanisms include establishing scoring criteria prioritizing rural counties and job creation, setting grant tiers (up to 100% matching for most entities), and requiring the state to provide a template letter supporting federal applications. The bill mandates annual reporting on fund usage and expands online resources to track available federal opportunities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state fund to match federal grants, increasing state spending for economic development projects like broadband and housing.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates state fund to match federal grants for housing projects, directly enabling housing development funding as explicitly listed in summary.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds workforce training projects via state matching grants, prioritizing job creation in economic development initiatives.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly funds broadband projects via matching grants, directly expanding internet access for rural communities and tribes as a key project type.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds infrastructure projects via state matching grants, explicitly listing infrastructure as eligible for federal grant support alongside transportation-relevant areas like broadband and workforce training.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Workforce Development Broadband Access Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2038: Establishing the youth behavioral health account and funding the account through the imposition of a business and occupation additional tax on the operation of social media platforms.

HB 2038 creates a "youth behavioral health account" funded by a 0.4% tax on the gross income of social media platforms operating in Washington, starting January 2026. The tax applies to platforms defined as services allowing social interaction (like Facebook or TikTok), excluding email, gaming, or review sites. Funds will support telebehavioral health services for school-aged youth, a state coordinator for youth behavioral health, and implementation of a statewide strategic plan for prenatal through age 25 care. The bill explicitly states the tax does not apply to 501(c)(3) non-profits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes 0.4% tax on social media platforms to fund youth behavioral health services, advancing public program funding through new tax revenue.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds telebehavioral health services for school-aged youth, enhancing student well-being and educational access through mental health support in schools.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds youth behavioral health services via new tax on social media platforms, directly expanding mental health coverage and access for school-aged youth.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyImposes 0.4% tax on social media platforms (tech companies) to fund youth behavioral health services, regulating platform operations for public health protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Social Media

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1168: Increasing transparency in artificial intelligence.

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires AI developers to disclose training data sources/types for transparency, enhancing data privacy protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy

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passed · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5034: Eliminating the expiration of the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team.

Senate Bill 5034 eliminates the expiration date for the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team, informally known as SYNC. This team, composed of representatives from state infrastructure programs and local government associations, coordinates state investments in projects such as drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and broadband. Its purpose is to identify system improvements to maximize value, minimize costs, and ensure the long-term durability and resilience of infrastructure for communities across Washington. By removing the June 30, 2025 sunset date, the bill makes this coordination team permanent and requires it to submit biennial progress reports to the legislature.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill maintains team coordinating state investments in broadband infrastructure, advancing internet access as part of infrastructure projects.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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signed · Washington · House Apr 16, 2025

HB 1205: Prohibiting the knowing distribution of a forged digital likeness.

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits deceptive digital likeness distribution, directly protecting digital identity and privacy rights under data privacy framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2016: Concerning an additive capital budget for state matching funds and federal expenditure authority for broadband.

This bill allocates $280 million in state funds to match federal broadband grant programs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It enables Washington's statewide broadband office to administer grants for community broadband projects, prioritizing affordability, digital navigation services, and open-access networks. The state funds are contingent on receiving federal grant money and will support projects through 2027. The legislation also updates state budget procedures to streamline matching funds for federal broadband initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $280M state funds for broadband infrastructure, a public service, and updates budget procedures to streamline spending. This funds essential programs and aligns with fiscal management.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAllocates $280M for broadband infrastructure, prioritizing affordability and open-access networks to expand internet access and digital equity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending State Budget Broadband Access

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5274: Concerning body worn cameras within corrections agencies.

SB 5274 establishes a pilot program requiring the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to implement body worn cameras at Green Hill School by January 2026. It expands authorized users of body worn cameras to include officers from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, the Department of Corrections, and personnel at jails and detention facilities. The bill also adds specific exemptions preventing public disclosure of body worn camera recordings when they contain sensitive information, such as medical details, intimate images, or the identity of victims in domestic violence or sexual assault cases. These changes aim to balance transparency with privacy protections for vulnerable individuals.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates body-worn cameras in corrections for accountability, aligning with reform indicators like oversight and transparency in criminal justice operations.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates exemptions preventing public disclosure of sensitive data in body camera recordings, directly protecting data privacy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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signed · Washington · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 5690: Concerning utility relocation.

Senate Bill 5690 directs the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) to proactively coordinate with broadband and utility owners regarding planned state highway projects to facilitate the installation of broadband infrastructure. The bill allows the DOT to install broadband conduit during road construction if owners are unable, aiming to reduce future traffic impacts and support telework. It also requires the DOT to provide utility owners with advance notice for state fish barrier removal projects. The DOT is encouraged to seek federal funding for utility relocation costs associated with these projects and must report on its federal funding efforts and recommendations by December 15, 2026.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFacilitates broadband infrastructure installation during highway projects to expand internet access and support telework, directly advancing technology infrastructure deployment.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs DOT to coordinate broadband installation during highway projects, reducing future traffic impacts and improving infrastructure efficiency for transportation projects.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Roads & Highways