Big Tech Eyes Washington State Amid Push for Sweeping AI Bills

The home state of Microsoft Corp. and Amazon.com Inc. is at the center of a growing national debate about how far states should regulate artificial intelligence amid fears of increased discrimination and economic disruptions.

The legislative wrangling notably is playing out over a Washington state bill (HB 1951) that would enact sweeping restrictions on how businesses, government agencies, and others can replace human decision-making with algorithms. The measure moved a step forward in the committee process following a Jan. 19 hearing by the state House of Representatives.

“This bill serves to not stifle innovation,” said Rep. Clyde Shavers ...