WA SB5956

Prohibits automated decision systems from being the sole basis for student discipline decisions including suspensions, expulsions, emergency removals, or law enforcement referrals—requires independent human investigation and consideration of context

Bans school districts from using AI to generate predictive "risk scores" for individual students measuring likelihood of misconduct, gang affiliation, criminal behavior, or violence, and prohibits maintaining AI-based watchlists of potential perpetrators

Prohibits use of biometric data to infer students' emotional states, mental health conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other sensitive personal characteristics

Bans school districts from using facial recognition for ongoing surveillance, real-time identification, or persistent tracking of students

Requires the Washington State School Directors' Association to develop model policies by February 1, 2027, and directs the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to update AI guidance—applies to school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools