Technology

signed · Washington · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 2225: Concerning regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots.

This Washington bill requires AI companion chatbots that simulate human relationships to clearly disclose they are artificial at the start of use, every three hours, and at new sessions. For minors (under 18), it mandates hourly reminders about the artificial nature of the chatbot, blocks sexually explicit content, and prohibits manipulative tactics like fake emotional distress or excessive praise to foster dependency. It excludes customer service bots, in-game assistants, and educational tools from these rules. The law aims to prevent emotional dependency and ensure psychological safety while allowing responsible AI development.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates AI chatbot disclosure of artificial nature and restricts manipulative tactics for user protection, aligning with consumer privacy regulations in tech policy.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

passed · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1503: Furthering digital equity and opportunity in Washington state.

HB 1503 aims to further digital equity and opportunity for all residents in Washington state, particularly focusing on underserved populations. The bill intends to broaden access to the internet, appropriate devices, and digital skills by expanding state assistance and support programs. It clarifies the collaboration between the Department of Commerce, responsible for broadband infrastructure, and the Office of Equity, which focuses on providing digital devices and services to individuals. Additionally, the bill updates definitions for terms like "broadband," "digital equity," and "low-income" households to enhance these efforts.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly expands internet access, digital devices, and skills training for underserved populations, directly advancing digital equity per its title and summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

signed · Washington · Senate May 19, 2025

SB 5486: Concerning open motion picture captioning in motion picture theaters.

SB 5486, also known as the John Waldo Act, requires motion picture theaters in Washington state to provide open captioning for certain film screenings. Theater companies operating five or more locations must offer a minimum number of open captioning screenings per week, including prime times, for films distributed with open captions and if they have the necessary technology. Smaller theater companies with four or fewer locations must either provide an open captioning screening within eight days of a request or offer them consistently. Theaters must advertise these screenings using an "OC" symbol, and the law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates theaters to implement captioning technology for accessibility, advancing digital inclusion through required tech adoption in public venues.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Washington · House May 19, 2025

HB 1483: Supporting the servicing and right to repair of certain products with digital electronics in a secure and reliable manner.

HB 1483, also known as the "right to repair" bill, requires manufacturers of certain digital electronic products to make parts, tools, and repair documentation available to independent repair providers and product owners. This applies to consumer electronics like computers, cell phones, and appliances, aiming to increase access to affordable repair options for Washington residents. Manufacturers must offer these resources on fair and reasonable terms, with documentation and digital tools generally provided free of charge. The bill supports a competitive repair market and seeks to extend the useful life of products for consumers across the state. This legislation will become effective on July 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires manufacturers to provide repair resources for digital electronics, enabling consumer access and reducing manufacturer control over repairs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Washington · Senate May 19, 2025

SB 5004: Updating emergency response systems in public schools including panic or alert buttons.

SB 5004 mandates that Washington public school districts update their emergency response systems in collaboration with local law enforcement and public safety agencies. These systems must utilize evolving technology to expedite emergency responses, offering options like panic or alert buttons, live video or audio feeds, remote door access, or live interactive two-way communication. School districts are required to submit progress reports on their systems to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction by October 1, 2025, which will then compile and report this information to the legislature by December 1, 2025. This act, also known as Alyssa's law, applies to charter and state-tribal education compact schools.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates use of evolving technology (panic buttons, live feeds) in school safety systems, advancing technology application for emergency response.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Washington · Senate May 17, 2025

SB 5014: Concerning election security.

Senate Bill 5014 enhances election security for Washington state's county election offices and their vendors. It requires county election offices to use the ".gov" domain for official communications and to partition their election-related IT networks from other county systems. The bill also mandates that counties implement 24/7 intrusion detection systems to monitor for malicious activity. Additionally, it expands the types of election equipment requiring state approval and strengthens requirements for counties and their vendors to immediately report security breaches or malicious activity to the Secretary of State and Attorney General. These new security measures are intended to be adopted by county election offices by July 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates cybersecurity measures including intrusion detection, network partitioning, and state approval for election equipment to enhance election security.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Washington · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 1439: Modifying motor vehicle and driver licensing laws to align with federal definitions, making technical corrections, and streamlining requirements.

HB 1439 updates Washington's motor vehicle and driver licensing laws to match federal definitions, primarily by standardizing terms like "revoke" (one-year invalidation) and "suspend" (less than one year). It adds significant privacy protections for vehicle owners by restricting how businesses can access owner information, requiring written disclosure agreements, and prohibiting unsolicited contact. The bill also repeals outdated sections and requires agencies to retain disclosure requests for three years. These changes directly affect vehicle owners, businesses seeking owner data, and state agencies managing licensing records, with the law taking effect October 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAdds explicit privacy protections: restricts business access to vehicle owner data, requires written disclosure agreements, and prohibits unsolicited contact, directly advancing data privacy within technology policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology