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Thurston County debate over temporary pause on AI-enabled surveillance ends without a board vote
Summary
Commissioners debated a proposed temporary pause on county acquisition of AI-enabled surveillance technologies pending state guidance. Supporters cited vendor and retention concerns; opponents said existing IT governance and an AI guideline provide safeguards. A later motion to send revised language to staff failed (2‑2, one abstention).
Commissioner Emily Clouse proposed a temporary pause on county acquisition or action related to AI-enabled surveillance technologies while the Legislature considers related bills and county staff develop policies. Clouse said the pause would stop procurement of new AI surveillance systems pending state guidance and allow the board more time to evaluate risks, vendor access and retention policies.
“Waiting on something, waiting to adopt any ordinances or acquire any new technology doesn't mean that we would just be automatically adopting the same thing that the state [does],” Clouse said,…
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