In one paragraph
Washington's SB 6120 (2026 session), the Senate companion to HB 2157, would have required developers and deployers of high-risk AI systems, those intended to make or be a substantial factor in consequential decisions such as employment, lending, housing, insurance, health care and education, to use reasonable care against algorithmic discrimination. It included developer documentation, deployer risk programs and impact assessments, consumer notices, and private lawsuits for injunctions. It had a first reading on January 14, 2026 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 required developers and deployers of high-risk AI used for consequential decisions to document and assess their systems and notify consumers.
Key provisions
- Developers (doing business in Washington, over $100,000 gross annual revenue) must use reasonable care, give deployers an intended-use statement and documentation of limitations and mitigation, and update disclosures within 90 days of an intentional and substantial modification (Sec. 2)
- Outputs of high-risk generative AI that creates or substantially modifies synthetic content must be identifiable and detectable, with limits for artistic works and certain text-only content (Sec. 2(7))
- Deployers must use reasonable care, keep a risk management policy and program, complete impact assessments before deployment and significant updates, and keep records at least three years (Sec. 3)
- Deployers must tell consumers they are dealing with an AI system and explain principal reasons for adverse decisions that rely on personal data beyond what the consumer provided (Sec. 3(4)-(5))
- Exemptions include HIPAA covered entities and telemedicine providers for certain services, insurers regulated by the insurance commissioner, certain financial institutions and federal-government acquisitions; the party claiming an exemption bears the burden (Sec. 4)
- A person may sue a developer or deployer for an injunction and attorneys' fees; affirmative defense if the violation is cured within 45 days of discovery with notice to the plaintiff (Sec. 5)
- Would have taken effect January 1, 2027 (Sec. 9). Died in Senate Environment, Energy & Technology after first reading
Latest legislative action
Jan 14, 2026. First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.
Sponsors (showing 5 of 10)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Conway | Primary |
| Takko | Primary |
| Van De Wege | Primary |
| Wellman | Primary |
| Braun | Cosponsor |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error