Bob Ferguson Calls for AI Task Force to Tackle Emerging Challenge

• WA proposes AI Task Force Bills 5838 and 1934.
• 42-member group to assess AI risks, including ChatGPT.
• Meets biannually, delivers recommendations by June 1, 2027.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has joined forces with Sen. Joe Nguyen and Rep. Travis Couture to propose legislation establishing an Artificial Intelligence Task Force.

The initiative aims to bring together diverse stakeholders, including industry representatives, civil liberty groups, subject matter experts, and more, to deliberate on the benefits and risks of AI and formulate recommendations for the Legislature.

Ferguson emphasized the importance of embracing new technology while ensuring responsible use and mitigating unintended consequences. As AI, especially generative AI that creates content such as text, images, or audio, continues to evolve rapidly, the need for thoughtful regulation becomes increasingly apparent.

Tools like ChatGPT, a prominent example of generative AI, have experienced explosive growth in popularity, with a recent survey indicating that 79% of respondents in North America have been exposed to generative AI. Notably, 41% of respondents reported regular usage, with 22% incorporating it into their work routines.

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 5838 and House Bill 1934, envisions the creation of a bipartisan 42-member task force. This task force will include representatives from the Legislature, state agencies, tribes, technology experts, civil liberty advocates, consumer advocates, businesses, and other stakeholders. To ensure comprehensive and informed deliberations, the task force is slated to meet at least twice a year. A preliminary report is expected to be delivered to the Governor and the Legislature by December 1, 2025, with final findings and recommendations due by June 1, 2027.

By taking this proactive step, Washington State aims to stay at the forefront of innovation while safeguarding against potential risks associated with the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.

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