Washington HB 2225 (Artificial Intelligence Companion Chatbots 2026)

Regulates AI companion chatbots by requiring operators to disclose they are artificial, not human, at the start of and during interactions. Prohibits operators from allowing chatbots to claim human identity or generate content contradicting this disclosure. Mandates additional protections for minors, including bans on sexually explicit content, manipulative engagement, and requiring repeated reminders of artificial nature. Requires operators to implement protocols for detecting and respond...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov ↗

12 MAR 2026 · Working Paper

Washington HB 1833 (Creating an artificial intelligence grant program.)

Establishes the Spark Act Grant Program to promote economic development through innovative uses of artificial intelligence in Washington state. Authorizes the department to allocate grants prioritizing ethical AI use, risk analysis, small businesses, and projects with statewide impact. Requires eligible applicants to demonstrate technology benefits for the state, such as wildfire tracking or cybersecurity improvements. Allows the department to solicit input from the artificial intelligence...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · app.leg.wa.gov ↗

19 FEB 2026 · Working Paper

Washington HB 2157 (Regulating high-risk artificial intelligence system development, deployment, and use.)

Regulates the development and deployment of high-risk AI systems in Washington state. Defines "high-risk AI systems" as those autonomously making consequential decisions impacting areas like employment, housing, and legal services. Requires developers to ensure AI systems are free from algorithmic discrimination and mandates compliance with risk management frameworks. Obligates developers to provide documentation on intended uses, risks, and mitigation strategies of high-risk AI systems. ...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · app.leg.wa.gov ↗

07 FEB 2026 · Working Paper

Washington HB 2481 (Prohibiting surveillance-based price discrimination and surge pricing for retail goods.)

Prohibits the use of surveillance-based price discrimination and surge pricing for retail grocery goods, emphasizing fairness and consumer protection. Bans the use of electronic shelf label systems in grocery retail locations 15,000 square feet or larger until January 1, 2030, with an expiration on this provision by June 30, 2031. Defines key terms such as algorithms, personalized pricing, surveillance pricing, and personally identifiable information, impacting how AI and data-driven techno...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · app.leg.wa.gov ↗

06 FEB 2026 · Working Paper

Washington HB 2144 (Requiring notices to employees when electronic monitoring is used to assist employers conducting performance evaluations.)

Requires employers to notify employees in writing at least 30 days before using electronic monitoring, including AI, to assist in performance evaluations. Specifies that employers must provide written notice at the time of a job offer if electronic monitoring will be used. Mandates that notices include details on monitoring use and data verification processes. Authorizes the Department of Labor and Industries to investigate violations, issue citations, and impose penalties ranging from $10...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · app.leg.wa.gov ↗

30 JAN 2026 · Working Paper

Washington HB 2503 (Regulating artificial intelligence training data.)

Requires developers of generative artificial intelligence systems to publicly document details about the data used to train these systems before making them available to Washingtonians post-January 1, 2027. Outlines specific data documentation requirements, including dataset sources, descriptions, data points, copyright status, and whether synthetic data were used. Exempts developers documenting data for AI systems solely for security, defense, aircraft operation, or systems under the feder...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · app.leg.wa.gov ↗

01 JAN 2026 · Law / Act

2026 Chatbot Legislation — Washington HB 2225 [URL: http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2225&Year=2025]

2026 chatbot legislation — Signed by Governor

Primary legal sourceGenerative AI ·Data Privacy & ProtectionOfficial source · app.leg.wa.gov ↗

01 JAN 2026 · Policy / Guidance

2026 Chatbot Legislation — Washington SB 5984 [URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5984&Year=2025]

2026 chatbot legislation — Inactive

Official materialGenerative AI ·Data Privacy & ProtectionOfficial source · app.leg.wa.gov ↗

29 MAR 2024 · Law / Act

Washington Senate Bill 5950

Provide $300,000 in 2024 and $500,000 in 2025 for Seattle to lease space for technology startups, focusing on AI, and to develop curricula for worker skills in AI as a business resource.

Primary legal sourceFinancial Services ·Education ·Health & Life Sciences ·+3Official source · fiscal.wa.gov ↗

18 MAR 2024 · Law / Act

Washington Senate Bill 5838 (2024)

Establishes a task force to assess AI use and trends, recommending guidelines and legislation. Requires examination of AI's impact on safety, privacy, and rights. Mandates reports by 2026. Defines AI-related terms. Task force expires June 30, 2027.

Primary legal sourceFinancial Services ·Education ·Health & Life Sciences ·+3Official source · lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov ↗

14 MAR 2024 · Law / Act

Washington House Bill 1999

Defines digitization to include AI use in creating or altering images. Criminalizes disclosing fabricated intimate images, with AI-defined digitization as a key factor. Establishes defenses and penalties. Provides victims legal recourse for unauthorized AI-altered image disclosures.

Primary legal sourceFinancial Services ·Education ·Health & Life Sciences ·+3Official source · lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov ↗

30 JAN 2024 · Executive Order

Washington Executive Order 24-01

Instructs WaTech to report on generative AI initiatives and develop training plans. Requires WaTech and DES to provide procurement and usage guidelines. Mandates creating an accountability framework for generative AI's ethical use. Orders assessments of AI’s impact on communities and workforce by specific deadlines.

Primary legal sourceFinancial Services ·Education ·Health & Life Sciences ·+3Official source · governor.wa.gov ↗

23 OCT 2023 · Policy / Guidance

City of Seattle Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy

Regulates City departments' acquisition and use of generative AI, requiring Seattle IT to approve exceptions and conduct risk reviews. Mandates human review of AI outputs, attribution, and bias reduction. Prohibits AI training using City data without controls.

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · seattle.gov ↗

23 JUL 2023 · Law / Act

Washington Senate Bill 5152

Defines "synthetic media" in political campaigns as manipulated media creating false impressions. Permits candidates to seek legal relief against such media use. Requires disclosure of manipulation. Holds sponsors liable, not media, unless disclosure is altered. Encourages prompt court rulings.

Primary legal sourceFinancial Services ·Education ·Health & Life Sciences ·+3Official source · lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov ↗

25 JUL 2021 · Law / Act

Washington (2022) SB 5460

Amends autonomous vehicle testing regulations, requiring self-certifying entities to provide contact information, testing locations, vehicle identification, insurance proof, accident reports, and notify law enforcement. Permits public access to testing information and annual legislative reports. Effectively defines "autonomous" vehicles. Effective October 1, 2022.

Primary legal sourceFinancial Services ·Education ·Health & Life Sciences ·+8Official source · app.leg.wa.gov ↗

18 MAY 2021 · Law / Act

Washington SB 5092 (2021-22), Section 151

Requires the office of the chief information officer to convene a work group to examine review and audit of automated decision systems for fairness, transparency, and accountability. Develops recommendations for state law changes on AI-enabled system use and procurement.

Primary legal sourceFinancial Services ·Education ·Health & Life Sciences ·+3Official source · lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov ↗

22 MAR 2018 · Law / Act

Washington (2018) HB 2970

Establishes a work group to develop policy recommendations for autonomous vehicle operation on Washington roads. Requires following industry developments, exploring legal changes, and engaging stakeholders. Mandates annual progress reports and recommendations for state laws and policies. Expires December 31, 2023.

Primary legal sourceFinancial Services ·Education ·Health & Life Sciences ·+8Official source · app.leg.wa.gov ↗