Washington tech deserves a seat at the table. We deliver it.

I am so excited to be your champion with policy makers in our state. At Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA), we’re excited about the incredible opportunities ahead. From groundbreaking AI tools to secure digital payments and lightning-fast internet for everyone, technology is making life better, creating good-paying jobs, and helping our communities thrive.

As we head into the 2026 legislative session, we’re working hard to keep Washington a welcoming home for innovation and one where new ideas can grow, businesses can succeed, and families benefit from the progress.

Here are 10 of the policy priorities we’ll be championing for you this year.

1. Keeping AI Helpful and Accessible for Everyone

We believe AI should make everyday life easier, whether it’s helping teachers grade papers faster or doctors spot health issues sooner. That’s why we’re advocating for smart, balanced rules that let public services use AI responsibly, without unnecessary delays or roadblocks that could slow down these helpful tools for our schools, hospitals, and communities.

2. Putting Washington on the Map as a Leader in Cutting-Edge Technology

Imagine our state leading the world in artificial intelligence, secure blockchain applications (like safer online payments), and quantum computing, which is the next big leap in super-fast problem solving. We’re pushing for investments and policies that attract the best minds and companies right here, creating thousands of exciting new jobs and keeping Washington ahead of the pack.

3. Keeping Costs Down So Businesses Can Grow and Hire

We all want a strong economy with plenty of good jobs. That’s why we’re working to keep taxes and fees predictable and fair, with no surprise increases that make it harder for companies to expand, raise wages, or hire more neighbors. A thriving business community means more opportunities for everyone in our state.

4. Protecting Your Privacy and Keeping Kids Safe, Without Complicating Things

We deserve strong privacy protections and a safer internet for our children. We’re supporting common-sense approaches that actually work, without piling on confusing regulations that hurt the very companies creating better safety tools. The goal? Real protection that keeps families secure and lets innovation continue to thrive in our state.

5. Growing Our Economy the Smart Way

We’re excited to partner on a clear five-year plan that brings jobs, trains our workforce for the future, and supports local news without government interference. By focusing on practical, market-friendly ideas, we’re helping every corner of Washington share in the success, from new tech careers to stronger small businesses.

At WTIA, we’re proud to represent thousands of companies and tens of thousands of employees in the technology sector who proudly call Washington home. Together, we’re making sure our state stays innovative, competitive, and full of opportunity for generations to come.

6. Building Clear, Practical Data Privacy Rules

Washington’s tech ecosystem depends on strong privacy protections and clear, workable rules. Unfortunately, new proposals under consideration would add yet another layer of overlapping data privacy regulations, creating conflicting standards and increasing compliance costs—especially for startups and small companies.

Instead of empowering consumers, this patchwork approach risks slowing product development, raising operational costs, and ultimately making Washington a more difficult place to build and deploy data-driven tools. WTIA is advocating for privacy rules that protect people without creating unnecessary complexity or discouraging innovation.

7. Opposing the Elimination of the Cap on the Advanced Computing Surcharge

Washington’s advanced computing sector fuels tens of thousands of high-wage jobs, supports local small businesses, and anchors our innovation economy. That’s why we’re deeply concerned about proposals to eliminate the cap on the Advanced Computing Surcharge (ACS).

Removing the cap would mean a significantly higher and unpredictable tax burden for the state’s largest technology employers. This kind of policy sends a troubling message that Washington is no longer a reliable, competitive place for major tech companies to expand.

Higher gross-receipts taxes—especially those disconnected from profits—can discourage hiring, stall investments, and even push companies to move operations to more business-friendly states. WTIA is working to ensure Washington remains a place where innovation is supported, not penalized.

8. Restoring Washington’s Commitment to Quantum Computing

Quantum technologies represent one of the biggest economic opportunities of the next decade, with some states investing hundreds of millions of dollars to build local quantum ecosystems. In contrast, Washington recently eliminated a modest $100,000 funding allocation for quantum efforts—just as other regions are accelerating.

This disparity signals that Washington risks falling behind in a field that will define the future of cybersecurity, clean energy, healthcare, materials science, and more. WTIA is calling on state leaders to reinvest in quantum R&D, workforce development, and public-private partnerships so we can compete nationally and globally.

9. Ensuring Smart, Predictable Policies for Data Centers

Data centers are the backbone of cloud computing, AI, gaming, e-commerce, and nearly every digital service Washington residents use daily. But the Legislature is expected to consider bills that introduce new siting restrictions, environmental requirements, or tax changes for data centers.

While we support sustainable growth, poorly designed rules could raise operating costs, stall expansion projects, or push new facilities—and the jobs that come with them—out of state. WTIA is working to ensure that data center policies are balanced, practical, and predictable, enabling Washington to grow responsibly while maintaining its global leadership in cloud infrastructure.

10. Preventing Overly Restrictive Companion Chatbot Regulations

California’s SB 243—which would tightly regulate AI systems that provide human-like conversational support—is poised to inspire similar legislation in Washington. While well-intentioned, these proposals risk going too far, imposing broad and restrictive rules that could slow or even halt development of helpful AI tools used in healthcare, education, customer service, and accessibility.

Washington must avoid regulations that treat conversational AI as inherently dangerous and instead focus on clear, targeted safeguards that address real risks without stifling beneficial innovation.

Sincerely,

Amy Harris,

WTIA Director of Government Affairs