With the United States government touting its AI regulation efforts, one Governor has announced an Executive Order to develop guidelines and policies for the responsible adoption of generative AI. Washington state Governor Jay Inslee issued the Executive Order on January 30th. Under the Order, WaTech, the agency operating the state’s technology and IT services, will work with the governor’s cabinet agencies to submit a report identifying potential generative AI initiatives.

By September 2024, the state technology agency must identify potential AI projects and create infrastructure to pilot them. They must also develop procurement guidelines, drawing on federal resources like the AI Bill of Rights.

By January 2025, the Department of Enterprise Services will train state employees on AI benefits and risks. By December 2024, the technology agency will make public guidelines to analyze AI impacts on vulnerable communities. The Office of Equity will oversee accountability in ethical AI use.

The order lays out requirements for risk assessments before deploying high-risk AI systems. Assessments must evaluate benefits, harms, fairness, privacy and security. By December 2024, the state HR office and others must study AI’s impact on the workforce.

By January 2025, the workforce board must create partnerships to expand AI research, expose students to AI opportunities, build equitable talent pipelines, develop training programs and engage national AI organizations.

The order prioritizes public transparency, stakeholder input and agency collaboration in AI guidelines and policies. It aims to realize the benefits of AI while balancing risks. The state seeks to deploy AI equitably and ethically. Compliance must align with state and federal laws.

If you’re wondering how this executive order, or any other AI law or regulation, could impact you, reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts are ready to help you with your concerns and questions while providing valuable assistance.