WA SB 5956: Addressing artificial intelligence, student discipline, and surveillance in public schools.

In one paragraph

Washington's SB 5956 (1st substitute, 2026 session) would have limited AI, automated decision systems (ADS) and surveillance technology in public school discipline. An ADS could not have been the sole or determinative basis for a discipline decision, districts could not have used ADS risk scores or watchlists predicting misconduct or violence, and biometric data could not have been used to infer emotions or other sensitive traits. It passed the Senate 35-13 on February 10, 2026 but was returned to Senate Rules on March 12 and died at adjournment.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

None: the bill did not pass. It would have barred school districts and their vendors from using ADS as the sole basis for student discipline, risk scoring or watchlists.

Key provisions

1. 1ADS may not be the sole or determinative basis for suspension, expulsion, emergency removal or other discipline decisions, and no student may be disciplined or referred to law enforcement based solely on an ADS score or surveillance data without independent human review (Sec. 3)
2. 2Districts may not use an ADS as the sole or determinative basis for risk scores predicting misconduct, gang affiliation, criminal behavior or targeted violence, may not keep ADS-based watchlists, and may not contract with vendors that require those uses (Sec. 4)
3. 3Districts may not use biometric data to infer emotional states, mental health, sexual orientation, gender identity or other sensitive traits; exceptions for voluntary employee access, narrow federal-law uses and educator professional development (Sec. 5)
4. 4Student information from AI, ADS or surveillance tools could go to law enforcement only when required by law or to address an imminent likelihood of serious physical harm (Sec. 6)
5. 5School districts may not use a facial recognition service for ongoing surveillance or tracking of students; the warrant, exigency and court-order exceptions that apply to other agencies do not apply (Sec. 8, RCW 43.386.080(8))
6. 6OSPI to update its AI guidance; WSSDA to develop a model policy by February 1, 2027 (Secs. 9-10); rules apply to charter and tribal compact schools (Secs. 11-12)
7. 7Passed Senate February 10, 2026 (35-13); House Education majority do pass with amendment(s) February 24; returned to Senate Rules March 12; died at adjournment. No effective date or penalty stated in the text

Latest legislative action

Mar 12, 2026. By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.

Sponsors (showing 5 of 11)

Roll call votes