Joining with states across the U.S., Washington State Governor, Jay Inslee, has taken an additional step with Artificial Intelligence (AI), as the state continues to incorporate this technology into government operations. Maryland Governor, Wes Moore, signed an executive order earlier this month that created an AI subcabinet for the purpose of developing a plan to create guardrails for the use of AI for agencies within the state.
On Tuesday, the Democratic Governor signed a new executive order to develop guidelines for agencies that are utilizing generative artificial intelligence. This comes as a pair of bills are currently making their way through both the State House of Representatives and the State Senate.
House Bill 1934 and Senate Bill 5838 both had public hearings this week in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. During that hearing, Senator Lynda Wilson (R) asked how this bill interplays with the new executive order from Governor Inslee. The response given was that essentially these are different items. The executive order applies more to the state agency side, clearing up the concern that the executive order would override these two bills.
You can watch the full Senate Ways and Means Committee Meeting here: SB 5838 Ways and Means Committee Hearing
Governor Inslee’s executive order outlines how this AI technology can assist state operations, while also addressing the risks to citizens and cyber security. The executive order specifically states, “It is the goal of the state to create a transparent and consistent environment to use generative AI technology and to facilitate the adoption of generative AI technology by the State in a manner that balances the benefits and risks to Washingtonians...”
In a statement, Governor Inslee said, “It’s our duty to the public to be thorough and thoughtful in how we adopt these powerful new tools.”
The agency at the front of Washington State’s technology services, Consolidated Technology Services, also known as, WaTech, is being called upon to work with state officials to develop guidelines on the procurement and monitoring of this AI technology. The intent of these guidelines is to build upon the Biden administration’s 2022 Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and the National Institute for Science and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework. WaTech’s first set of deadlines to deliver information to the governor and called upon agencies is September 2024.
All together, these bills and the governor’s new executive order are causing major concerns for the citizens of Washington. With limited public input and even more limited oversight, critics say this generative artificial intelligence technology has the potential to become a danger to constitutional rights in a hurry.
The move to bypass legislators by signing an executive order adds an additional layer of concern by limiting input from citizens and other lawmakers.
On Tuesday, the Democratic Governor signed a new executive order to develop guidelines for agencies that are utilizing generative artificial intelligence. This comes as a pair of bills are currently making their way through both the State House of Representatives and the State Senate.
House Bill 1934 and Senate Bill 5838 both had public hearings this week in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. During that hearing, Senator Lynda Wilson (R) asked how this bill interplays with the new executive order from Governor Inslee. The response given was that essentially these are different items. The executive order applies more to the state agency side, clearing up the concern that the executive order would override these two bills.
You can watch the full Senate Ways and Means Committee Meeting here: SB 5838 Ways and Means Committee Hearing
Governor Inslee’s executive order outlines how this AI technology can assist state operations, while also addressing the risks to citizens and cyber security. The executive order specifically states, “It is the goal of the state to create a transparent and consistent environment to use generative AI technology and to facilitate the adoption of generative AI technology by the State in a manner that balances the benefits and risks to Washingtonians...”
In a statement, Governor Inslee said, “It’s our duty to the public to be thorough and thoughtful in how we adopt these powerful new tools.”
The agency at the front of Washington State’s technology services, Consolidated Technology Services, also known as, WaTech, is being called upon to work with state officials to develop guidelines on the procurement and monitoring of this AI technology. The intent of these guidelines is to build upon the Biden administration’s 2022 Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and the National Institute for Science and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework. WaTech’s first set of deadlines to deliver information to the governor and called upon agencies is September 2024.
All together, these bills and the governor’s new executive order are causing major concerns for the citizens of Washington. With limited public input and even more limited oversight, critics say this generative artificial intelligence technology has the potential to become a danger to constitutional rights in a hurry.
The move to bypass legislators by signing an executive order adds an additional layer of concern by limiting input from citizens and other lawmakers.
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