OLYMPIA — A bill addressing the use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated decision systems, and surveillance technologies in the state’s public schools was heard Wednesday in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee.
Senate Bill 5956, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), establishes statewide requirements and limitations on how these technologies may be used in K-12 public schools, including charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools.
Under the bill, public schools would be prohibited from using certain automated systems for student discipline and safety decisions, including systems that generate predictive risk scores about individual students or rely on biometric surveillance technologies. The legislation also specifies that automated decision systems may not be the sole basis for disciplinary actions such as suspension, expulsion, or referrals to law enforcement.
SB 5956 further limits the sharing of student data generated by these technologies with law enforcement agencies and requires that any use of automated systems include meaningful human review.
In addition, the bill directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to update guidance related to the use of AI in educational settings and requires the Washington State School Directors’ Association to develop a model policy to assist school districts with implementation.
“Technology should support student learning and safety without replacing human judgment or undermining student rights,” Nobles said. “This bill sets clear guardrails to ensure these tools are used responsibly and appropriately in our schools.”
“Discipline disparities are real, and AI is not neutral — it can amplify harm by flagging vulnerable students without context. SB 5956 sets clear guardrails, ensuring discipline decisions are made through human-centered investigation, due process, and accountability,” said Derick Harris, executive director of Black Education Strategy Roundtable.
Follow the bill’s progress here.