The public is invited to participate in the first meeting of Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force on Friday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The AI Task Force will bring together technology experts, civil liberty groups, and other stakeholders to assess the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence. The task force aims to issue findings and reports and make policy recommendations to the Legislature regarding guidelines and potential legislation for AI systems.
Friday's virtual meeting will include a public comment period for Washingtonians interested in participating. Speakers can sign up by emailing AI@atg.wa.gov at least 24 hours in advance, with remarks limited to two minutes. Written comments are accepted at any time. Details for joining the Zoom webinar are provided below.
Those interested in watching the meeting live can stream it on the TVW website.
“Washington is already a technology leader in this country, and we must continue to lead on the safe and responsible use of AI,” Ferguson said. “The experts on our task force will be critical in helping shape policy that centers the people as we navigate one of the most important issues of our time.”
AI technology is rapidly developing, particularly generative AI — which creates content such as text, images or audio — has seen significant growth. Tools like ChatGPT have become some of the fastest-growing consumer internet applications ever.
According to a recent survey, 79% of respondents in North America reported some exposure to generative AI. Forty-one percent report using it regularly, and 22% say they use it regularly at work. A study reported in Forbes found that half of Americans who interact with AI don’t realize it.
Ferguson partnered with Sen. Joe Nguyen (D-White Center) to create the AI Task Force through Senate Bill 5838. Rep. Travis Couture (R-Allyn) sponsored the companion bill in the House. The bill passed with bipartisan support.
In June, Ferguson announced the experts who will serve on the task force as well as their scope of work.
The Attorney General’s task force will consider various topics including:
Ferguson’s task force includes experts from multiple fields:
Friday’s meeting is one of many over the next two years; meetings will occur at least twice a year and include numerous subcommittees open for public attendance and participation.
The AI Task Force will issue findings, guiding principles, and submit a final report with policy recommendations to the governor and Legislature by July 1, 2026.
For regular updates or written comments submission at any time, contact AI@atg.wa.gov.
Details for participants:
WHAT: Inaugural meeting and public comment for AI Task Force
WHEN: Friday, July 26, 9 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Virtual; Zoom webinar information below:
Link: https://atg-wa.zoom.us/j/81099365918?pwd=5tIqQcdgqrEzHIxC9LK5A1VlsT4HMc.1
Dial-in: 1-253-205-0468
Meeting ID: 810 9936 5918
Passcode: 769104
You can read the agenda here.
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