Lawmakers hear broad opposition, qualified support on bill to make AI use a bargaining subject

Engrossed Substitute House Bill 16 22, which would require public employers to bargain with represented employees about some decisions to adopt artificial intelligence and related technologies, drew lengthy public testimony in the Labor & Commerce Committee.

Supporters said early worker participation would protect jobs and improve deployments; opponents said the bill threatens core management rights and would create costly delays.

The bill’s proponents included Jonathan Young, SeaTac city manager, who said the city supports the measure because “taking the time to discuss with represented employees who are our subject matter experts… will result in better informed decision making.” Davis Powell, executive director of SAG-AFTRA Seattle Local, said the bill “would ensure our ability to bargain over emerging technology, which could otherwise be used to replace and supplant a news service.” Joey Hicklin, an electronics engineer who develops AI tools, said frontline worker…