Technology (Emerging Technology)

in committee · Washington · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2446: Developing the quantum technology industry into the state's economic development and workforce.

HB 2446 requires Washington's Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum technology strategy by June 2027, directly affecting state agencies, research institutions (like public universities and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory), and businesses in the quantum industry. The strategy must analyze the current quantum sector, identify public-private partnerships, explore workforce development, and outline how to attract federal funding and private investment. It mandates the department to seek non-state funding and contract with Washington-based quantum organizations to support this effort. The bill expires August 1, 2027, and aims to position Washington competitively amid growing national investments in quantum technology.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates state strategy to develop quantum tech industry, focusing on partnerships, workforce, and funding attraction - directly advancing technology sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 23, 2026

HB 2651: Gathering and preserving digital data and evidence relating to federal agent misconduct.

HB 2651 allows Washington's Attorney General or county prosecutors to direct the state patrol to collect and securely retain digital evidence identifying federal agents accused of misconduct, such as location data, cell tower records, or facial recognition information. It applies to federal law enforcement officers and Department of Homeland Security contractors accused of misconduct like excessive force, assault, or constitutional rights violations. Complainants can only access this digital evidence through a court order in a related civil rights or criminal case. The bill establishes a clear process for gathering and limiting access to this data, focusing on factual evidence for accountability.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables evidence collection for federal agent misconduct, enhancing law enforcement accountability - a core criminal justice reform goal.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates secure retention of digital evidence (location, cell tower, facial recognition), a data privacy protection measure for misconduct investigations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Law Enforcement Emerging Technology Telecommunications Tags Civil Liberties

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2368: Developing the quantum technology industry into the state's economic development and workforce.

HB 2368 requires Washington's state department to develop a quantum technology strategy by June 2026, focusing on economic growth and workforce development in this emerging field. The strategy must outline plans to attract investment, identify public-private partnerships, support research at universities and labs, and explore quantum applications in areas like energy and healthcare. It directs the department to seek nonstate funding and partnerships to accelerate the industry, with the plan expiring August 1, 2027. The bill directly affects state agencies and future economic planning, not individual citizens or businesses.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates state strategy to develop quantum technology industry, focusing on economic growth and workforce development in emerging tech sector, directly advancing technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · Washington · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 2157: Regulating high-risk artificial intelligence system development, deployment, and use.

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits algorithmic discrimination in AI healthcare decisions, protecting patient rights and ensuring fair access to AI-driven health services.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits algorithmic discrimination in housing decisions, directly preventing discriminatory practices under AI systems used for housing applications and rentals.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits algorithmic discrimination in AI-driven employment decisions, directly protecting workers from bias in hiring/promotions as part of labor rights.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates AI to prevent algorithmic discrimination, aligning with consumer protection in digital rights and data privacy policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

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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 · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5302: Prohibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity.

Washington's SB 5302 prohibits state and local government agencies (including law enforcement) from purchasing, acquiring, or operating small drones (under 55 pounds) made by specific foreign entities. It bans the use of public funds for such drones and defines "covered foreign entities" as those on U.S. sanctions lists, based in China or Russia, or controlled by those governments. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, requiring agencies to stop using covered drones by that date. This directly affects government drone programs and procurement practices across Washington state.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts government procurement of foreign-made drones (a technology) for national security, limiting adoption of specific tech products from targeted countries.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5451: Concerning advancement of quantum economic development.

SB 5451 establishes a state advisory committee to support quantum technology economic development, with members including state officials, higher education representatives, and industry leaders from tech, aerospace, and quantum computing companies. The committee must produce annual reports and workforce plans by 2027, while the state creates a grant program to help applicants secure federal quantum technology funding through partnerships with higher education institutions. Key provisions include quarterly committee meetings, annual grant awards, and collaboration with industry groups like the Northwest Quantum Nexus Coalition. The bill expires June 30, 2027, and does not create direct regulations or funding but structures support mechanisms for the quantum sector.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes advisory committee and grant program to fund quantum tech development, directly advancing the field through workforce planning and federal partnership support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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