OLYMPAI, Washington — A bill that allows public sector unions representing state employees to represent or oppose artificial intelligence in the workplace, passed the nation’s House of Representatives with 58-38 votes.
House Bill 1622, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Parshley (D-Olympia), amends the current control of the law passed in 2003 to exempt AI.
“In 2003, technology was very different,” said Rep. Pershley.My phone barely fits in my pocket and I couldn’t take a photo. When you connect to the internet, you will hear a screeching dial tone. The idea of AI was limited to films like Terminator. But now, AI is here and we know it’s more than Skynet. ”
The bill does not change the intent of the original law and does not allow unions to negotiate small decisions such as the type of computers and phone calls provided to employees.
“This law does not stop AI from being implemented,” Rep. Parshley said.It simply ensures that implementation is responsible at the expense of our workers and the workers who make this the best place to live. ”
The bill is currently heading to the Senate for consideration.
