OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s bipartisan proposal to create an Artificial Intelligence Task Force in the Attorney General’s Office passed the Legislature today in a bipartisan 30-19 vote. The task force will convene technology experts, industry representatives, labor organizations, civil liberty groups and other stakeholders to discuss AI benefits and risks and make recommendations to the Legislature.
Senate Bill 5838, sponsored by Sen. Joe Nguyen, D-White Center, previously passed the House and Senate in bipartisan votes. Today’s vote reconciled the amendments in both chambers, and sends the bill to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for signature. Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, sponsored the companion bill in the House.
“AI is becoming a part of our daily lives, and it’s our duty to immediately begin working in a thoughtful way to ensure we protect Washingtonians against this technology’s risks while maximizing its benefits,” Ferguson said. “I appreciate the Legislature’s partnership, and I look forward to launching an inclusive task force that will develop recommendations to guide public policy in this important arena.”
“AI is like fire — it has tremendous potential to do both good and bad,” Sen. Nguyen said. “How we use it and the data we put into it is incredibly important. This task force will be important for learning about the right legislative response to the explosion in AI tools and is a great step forward to smart, effective use of AI for the people of Washington.”
AI technology is rapidly developing. In particular, generative AI — AI that creates content such as text, images or audio — has exploded in popularity. Tools like ChatGPT have become some of the fastest growing consumer internet applications of all time.
According to a recent survey, 79% of respondents in North America reported at least some exposure to generative AI. Forty-one percent report using it regularly, and 22% say they are using it regularly at work.
The legislation creates a task force supported by the Attorney General’s Office and composed of a nineteen-member executive committee and subcommittees as needed.
The executive committee of the task force must investigate and submit reports on several areas of concern, including, but not limited to:
a review of public policy issues and existing protections;
identification of high-risk uses, racial equity, and civil liberty issues; and
recommendations for guiding principles, regulatory structures, and opportunities to support innovation.
The task force will meet at least twice a year. The task force’s final report and recommendations are due to the Governor and Legislature July 1, 2026.
At least 25 states have introduced legislation related to AI. Legislatures in states including Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Vermont and Virginia have created task forces or commissions to study AI. Several governors have also created AI task forces by executive order.
Every legislative session Attorney General Ferguson introduces a slate of Attorney General Request bills. The majority pass with bipartisan support. More on the history of this work is available here./WAAG
IN OTHER WASHINGTON STATE NEWS:
BREWING SUCCESS: INSIDE WSDA’S ROLE IN YOUR ST. PATRICK'S DAY BEER
As St. Patrick's Day approaches and the world eagerly anticipates raising a glass of green beer in celebration, have you ever paused to think about how that beloved brew makes its way to your tastebuds?
It’s a lot of work growing, harvesting, and exporting before the brewing even starts. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) plays a crucial role in the early process: helping eradicate invasive pests, ensuring the safe and legal use of pesticides, and providing hops growers with grades for their products. These grades allow them to export their products across the globe./WSDA
WSDA “PLANT PASSPORTS” A WIN-WIN-WIN AT THE NORTHWEST FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW
The Northwest Flower and Garden Show (NWFGS) in Seattle is one of the largest flower and garden shows on the West Coast, drawing in plant lovers from all corners of the state – and even Canada./WSDA
Commerce helps secure $17.6 million in federal funding for housing assistance.
OLYMPIA, WA — Washington communities have another $110 million for new and existing housing projects thanks to funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Competition. Providers across Washington are working on 205 new and existing projects that provide temporary or permanent housing assistance and/or supportive services to people experiencing homelessness./WA COMMERCE DEPT.
Commerce invests $30.4 million to add high-quality early learning spaces.
OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), has awarded $30.4 million in grants to 42 early learning providers across the state./ WA COMMERCE DEPT.
Ecology announces new southwest region director.
Bobbak Talebi will lead the agency’s efforts to partner with southwest Washington communities to protect the region’s land, air and water/DOE
2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
Tribal Members Protected from Undue Medical Bill Debt Collection Under Cantwell, Murray Legislation
Bill ensures Indian Health Service pays its bills on time, meets its trust responsibilities/ Press release issued 3/5/24
Cantwell to Boeing: You Have 48 Hours to Hand Over Key Documents to Federal Investigators
Chairwoman demands in letter full and immediate cooperation with ongoing NTSB investigation into January Alaska Airlines accident; NTSB Chair indicates at hearing that Boeing stonewalling door plug accident investigation by failing to provide access to key protocols, documents, personnel/press release issue 3/6/24
KILMER INTRODUCES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO ENSURE CONGRESSIONAL CONTINUITY, REDUCE INCENTIVE FOR POLITICAL VIOLENCE./ press release issued 3/7/24
KILMER INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION TO BOLSTER SKILLS TRAINING FOR AMERICAN WORKERS/press release issued 3/4/24
Murray, Senate Democrats Host Press Conference Highlighting Reproductive Rights Ahead of SOTU as Republicans Push for National Abortion Ban
Senators bring guests whose lives have been affected by Republicans extreme anti-abortion agenda to this year’s State of the Union Address/ press release issued 3/7/24
Senate Democrats Highlight Abortion Rights at State of the Union as Republicans Push for National Abortion Ban
Senators bring guests whose lives have been affected by Republicans extreme anti-abortion agenda to this year’s State of the Union Address/ press release issued 3/6/24
3) WORLD< NATIONAL < BUSINESS
WORLD:
Honor Values of Ramadan in Sudan through Cessation of Hostilities, Secretary-General Urges Security Council, Warning ‘Hunger Is Stalking’, Millions Need Life-saving Aid/UN NEWS RELEASE
Hold Managers Responsible for Implementing Staff Recruitment Recommendations, Speakers Urge as Fifth Committee Reviews Progress in Strengthening UN Accountability Culture/UN PRESS RELEASE
Veto of Security Council Resolution Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza Emboldens Israel to Continue Crimes against Palestinian people, Speakers Tell General Assembly
The use of the Security Council veto by the United States to block an Algerian draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza only emboldens Israel to continue its crimes against the Palestinian people, speakers warned the General Assembly today, stressing that the humanitarian situation in the enclave is catastrophic and worsening as a result./UN PRESS RELEASE
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson/US STATE DEPT.
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield During a Panel Discussion with International Women of Courage Award Recipients/ USUN
NATION:
Pentagon Official Underscores Imperative of On-Time Defense Appropriation./DOD
U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst Arrested and Charged with Conspiracy to Obtain and Disclose National Defense Information, Export Control Violations and Bribery/DOJ
U.S. Department of Education Imposes $14 Million Fine Against Liberty University for Clery Act Violations
Fine is part of an agreement that requires a two-year monitoring period and campus safety improvements and settles findings from a Clery Act compliance review at the school/ DEPT. of ED.
Interior and Justice Departments Outline Commitment, Next Steps in Effort to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples and Human Trafficking Crisis./Dept. of Interior
FDA Takes Steps to Ensure Safety of Cinnamon Products Sold in the US
Following Testing, FDA Recommends Consumers Do Not Buy or Eat Recalled Ground Cinnamon/FDA
BUSINESS:
U.S. Department of the Treasury and State Insurance Regulators Launch Coordinated Effort on Homeowners Insurance Data Collection to Assess the Effects of Climate Risk on U.S. Insurance Markets/US TREASURY
Chinese National Residing in California Arrested for Theft of Artificial Intelligence-Related Trade Secrets from Google/DOJ
Ahead of State of the Union, Businesses Say, 'Stop Blame Game, Get to Work'
"Don’t hamstring American business and economic growth. Help us do what we do best."/US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Reflections on the Economy and Bank Regulation
Governor Michelle W. Bowman
At the New Jersey Bankers Association Annual Economic Leadership Forum, Somerset, New Jersey/THE FED
IRS alert: Beware of companies misrepresenting nutrition, wellness and general health expenses as medical care for FSAs, HSAs, HRAs and MSAs/IRS
IN FOCUS AND LOCAL MEETINGS:
IN FOCUS: WDFW and DNR seek public input on Central Washington Green Dot Road management.
YAKIMA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) welcome public feedback on proposed updates to Green Dot Roads on state-managed lands in Central Washington.
The Green Dot Road management system marks roads in Chelan, Kittitas, and Yakima counties that are open to public motorized vehicle use. White route markers with round green reflectors are placed along roads open to motorized vehicles. Rules for the Green Dot Road management areas are posted at entrance kiosks. These open roads provide access to camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing while aiding in protecting sensitive habitat.
WDFW and DNR invite members of the public and Green Dot user groups to join them Wednesday, March 27 from 5-7 p.m. for a public meeting to learn more about annual updates to the roads at Moxee City Hall; 255 W. Seattle Ave. Moxee, WA 98936.
To access and download Green Dot maps or to learn more about the Green Dot Road management system, visit WDFW’s website.
WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for its human and wildlife populations. WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
DNR manages 1,300 miles of trails and 160-plus recreation sites in 3 million acres of working forest state trust lands and 97 natural areas. DNR trust lands provide clean water and generate revenue for public services and school construction. DNR also oversees 2.6 million acres of state aquatic lands, rule administration for 12 million forested acres, the Washington Geological Survey and wildland firefighting across 13 million acres of forestland.
IN FOCUS: UTC staff responded to thousands of customer complaints in 2023
Complaint investigations result in $265,531 in customer credits
LACEY, Wash. – In 2023, consumer protection staff at the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission closed 1,046 total customer complaints across six industries, resulting in the return of $265,531 in credits and refunds to customers.
The commission is partnering with federal and state agencies to support National Consumer Protection Week, March 4-8. The annual campaign encourages consumers to know and understand their rights and responsibilities in order to make better-informed decisions. UTC staff encourage consumers to learn how the UTC can help and when to contact the commission.
In its annual analysis of consumer complaints, the commission found that landline telecommunications companies once again topped the list of closed complaints, making up 55% of the 1,046 consumer complaints staff closed in 2023. When combined, electric and natural gas utilities made up 26% of the closed complaints, and 14% were against solid waste companies. The remainder of closed consumer complaints were against moving and water companies.
The most common complaints involved quality of service, disputed bills, and customer service.
The UTC’s Consumer Protection Help Line received 4,021 phone calls, and staff also responded to over 1,506 letters, web complaints, and emails from the public. In addition to resolving complaints, staff helped consumers find utility assistance, provided information on consumer rights, and assisted consumers in locating permitted residential moving and passenger transportation companies.
Consumers can file a complaint against a regulated company by calling the Consumer Protection Help Line at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882), emailing consumer@utc.wa.gov, or visiting the website.
The UTC regulates the rates and services of telecommunications companies, investor-owned electric utilities, natural gas and water companies, garbage-collection haulers, household-goods movers and passenger transportation companies, commercial ferries, pipeline companies, marine pilotage, and a low-level radioactive waste repository. The commission does not regulate the rates of broadband services, cellular, cable, or internet services.
ref. https://www.utc.wa.gov/news/2024/utc-staff-responded-thousands-customer-complaints-2023
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Clallam County Commission work session for 3/11/24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112024-1128
Clallam County Commission meeting for 3/12/24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03122024-1127
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 3/12/24
https://portofpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Comm-Pkt-3-12.pdf
City of Sequim Council meeting for 3/11/24
https://sequimwa.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=111
City of Forks Council meeting for 3/11/24
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Agenda-20240311.pdf
Clallam County PUD meeting for 3/11/24
https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/clallampud/Board.nsf/Public
School Board Meeting
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Lincoln Center
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETING
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 3/11/24
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/7927f88a-0c79-4c79-b775-235f72b3fa58
Port of Port Townsend meeting for 3/13/24
https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-03-13-CommMtg-Agenda.pdf
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE: 2 Timothy 1:9 (New International Version)
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
Weekly Bible Lesson:
How Is the Church on Earth Organized?
The Bible teaches the whole church has no permanent earthly organization. Only the local congregation has officers and organization today.--TFTW
https://truthfortheworld.org/how-is-the-church-on-earth-organized
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
The Chosen: About the life of Christ
https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen
THIS WEEK'S VIDEOS:
How China Is Waging a Secret WAR on American Soil.
The media has insisted that Russia is America’s biggest threat. But while Vladimir Putin is dangerous, there is another enemy that is far more powerful and much closer to infiltrating the U.S. in ways Russia couldn’t even imagine.
In this episode of "Glenn TV," Glenn exposes the secret war that China is waging on American soil, from the fentanyl crisis and the border invasion to an unprecedented spying and hacking campaign. Then, author and journalist Peter Schweizer joins to lay out the evidence in his new book “Blood Money: Why the Powerful Turn a Blind Eye While China Kills Americans,” which connects American elites like Gavin Newsom and Mitch McConnell and even Hollywood giants to the CCP’s “disintegration warfare” machine.
Schweizer also breaks down China’s connections to leftist groups causing chaos in our streets and the dangerous true purpose of TikTok. Plus, he lays out some possible solutions, including why he believes impeaching Joe Biden will send a strong message to President Xi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiEDfi1Y8R0
Sunday Worship Service - 3/3/2024 Four Lakes C. of C
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhrr1Aeg8ok
NIGHT OWL COMICS
https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
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