Governor's Executive Order on Generative AI
Gov. Jay Inslee signed an executive order on Jan. 30, 2024, to develop guidelines for how the state adopts generative artificial intelligence into its own systems to ensure its ethical and transparent use.
Under Inslee’s order, WaTech, the agency operating the state’s technology and information security services, will work with the governor’s cabinet agencies to submit a report identifying potential generative AI initiatives that could be implemented in state operations. The plan would develop initial guidelines for how the government may procure, use and monitor the use of generative AI … (Read more)
Interim Guidelines for Purposeful and Responsible Use of Generative AI
The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform government business processes, changing how state employees perform their work and ultimately improving government efficiency. These technologies also pose new and challenging considerations for implementation.
These guidelines are meant to encourage purposeful and responsible use of generative AI to foster public trust, support business outcomes, and ensure the ethical, transparent, accountable, and responsible implementation of this technology … (Read more)
Automated Decision Systems Inventory
Due to the nature of automated decision systems (ADS) and the increasing adoption of emerging technology in government, the Legislature required a report with recommendations that ensure these systems are deployed in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner and do not improperly advantage or disadvantage Washington residents. To better understand what the state already has in use for automated decision systems, the Governor directed that an inventory be completed.
Over the course of 2022 and 2023, WaTech conducted an inventory of all applications in use by state agencies. In 2022, there 6,125 applications, of which 31 were identified as ADS. In 2023, there were 8,379 applications, of which 129 were identified as ADS. This inventory contains a list of the identified automated decision systems with a breakdown by agency and application name.
Automated Decision Systems (ADS) Procurement and Use Guidance
WaTech has completed Automated Decision Systems (ADS) Procurement and Use Guidance that provides core concepts for ADS including procurement development considerations, guiding principles, and recommended procurement and ongoing monitoring activities.
Automated Decision-making Systems (ADS) Workgroup
In the 2021-23 biennial operating budget, the Washington state Legislature provided one-time funding to WaTech to convene a workgroup and produce a report related to the adoption and use of automated decision-making systems (ADS) in the state. Due to the nature of automated decision systems and the increasing adoption of emerging technology in government, it is important these systems are deployed in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner.
The ADS workgroup developed recommendations for changes in state law and policy regarding the development, procurement, and use of automated decision systems by public agencies. The workgroup also examined how automated decision-making systems can best be reviewed before adoption and while in operation and be periodically audited to ensure such systems are fair, transparent, and accountable and do not improperly advantage or disadvantage Washington residents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Generative AI in state government
Are state agencies currently using generative AI?
Use of generative AI in state government is in its infancy. There is some experimentation happening at state agencies with the technology, such as using it to summarize text and rewrite documents in plain language for better accessibility and understandability. WaTech created interim guidelines for generative AI use at agencies to encourage purposeful and responsible use.
Why is the state considering use of generative AI?
We are constantly looking at emerging technology and seeing what kind of technologies can benefit our residents and benefit agencies serving our residents, so it makes sense for us to do see how we can take advantage of this technology.
Does the state have any policies or guidelines regarding the use of generative AI?
WaTech’s interim guidelines serve as an initial framework for the responsible and ethical use of generative AI technologies within the Washington state government.