Summary of Bill: "Automated decision system" is defined to mean any algorithm, including one incorporating machine learning or other artificial intelligence techniques, that uses data-based analytics to make or support government decisions, judgments, or conclusions.
Public agencies are prohibited from using an automated decision system to make a decision impacting the constitutional or legal rights of any Washington resident, or to deploy any weapon. Washington's Law Against Discrimination is expanded to prohibit discrimination by automated decision systems against anyone on the basis of one or more factors enumerated in the Law Against Discrimination.
For permitted uses of automated decision systems, public agencies must follow specified minimum standards, including giving clear notice that the systems are in use and ensuring that any decision made or informed by the systems is subject to appeal and potential reversal by a human decision maker.
Prior to using an automated decision system, a public agency must complete an algorithmic accountability report and provide to the Chief Privacy Officer clear statements with regard to the agency's proposed use of the system, data management policy, a description of the fiscal impact, and other specified information. The CPO may approve, deny, or modify the reports based on public comments received about the reports and the degree to which the intended use of the automated decision system meets the specified minimum requirements.
A person injured by a public agency's material violations of these provisions may institute proceedings for injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or a writ of mandate to enforce these provisions.
The CPO is directed to adopt rules by January 1, 2020, for developing, procuring, and using automated decision systems by public agencies. And adding a sentence here.