Bill > SB5422

This bill amends existing state laws to require employers in higher education and state agencies to engage in collective bargaining over certain uses of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Specifically, employers must negotiate with union representatives when adopting or modifying AI technologies that could impact employees' wages or performance evaluations. The bill preserves management's existing rights to control most aspects of organizational technology and operations, but introduces a new requirement for bargaining over AI-related changes that directly affect employee compensation or job performance assessments. Existing labor contracts will remain unchanged until they expire, are renewed, or reopened. The legislation applies to employees covered under specific Washington state labor relations chapters, excluding executive employees, managers with policy-making or administrative responsibilities, confidential employees, and certain other categories of workers. By requiring negotiation over AI technology's implementation, the bill aims to provide workers with a voice in how emerging technologies might influence their work environment and career prospects.