Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced the appointments to the newly created Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force in the Attorney General’s Office. The task force will bring together technology experts, industry representatives, labor organizations, civil liberty groups, and other stakeholders to discuss AI's benefits and challenges. The task force is expected to issue findings, guiding principles, and policy recommendations.
“The impact of Artificial Intelligence in our economy and daily lives is an urgent issue of our time,” Ferguson stated. “Washington will lead on innovative and ethical AI, as we have in so many areas. I appreciate the task force members for committing their time and expertise, exemplifying why Washington is a technology leader in this country.”
Ferguson collaborated with Sen. Joe Nguyen (D-White Center) to create the task force through Senate Bill 5838. Rep. Travis Couture (R-Allyn) sponsored the companion bill in the House. The legislation passed with bipartisan support.
AI technology is advancing rapidly, particularly generative AI — which creates content such as text, images or audio — gaining significant popularity with tools like ChatGPT becoming some of the fastest-growing consumer internet applications ever.
A recent survey indicated that 79% of respondents in North America reported some exposure to generative AI; 41% use it regularly, while 22% utilize it at work frequently. A Forbes-reported study revealed that half of Americans interacting with AI are unaware they are doing so.
The task force includes experts from various fields and will be divided into subcommittees focusing on different aspects of AI development and implementation. Additionally, a Tribal advisory group and a Business advisory group will provide regular updates on issues related to developing, deploying, and using AI across businesses within the state.
Over the next two years, the task force aims to issue findings, establish guiding principles, and submit a report with policy recommendations by July 1, 2026. The first meeting is scheduled for this summer with biannual meetings thereafter.
At least 25 states have introduced legislation related to AI. States such as Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Vermont and Virginia have established similar task forces or commissions via legislative action or executive order by governors.
Each legislative session sees Attorney General Ferguson introduce several Attorney General Request bills; most receive bipartisan support.