A coffee chat with State Rep. Cindy Ryu

State Rep. Cindy Ryu recently discussed her accomplishments from the 2025 legislative session, focusing on an amendment to the state's hate crime law and a new measure against AI-generated deepfakes. The hate crime law now includes the phrase "in whole or in part," allowing juries to consider bias as a motivating factor rather than the sole reason for a crime. This change aims to improve prosecution rates for hate crimes, which prosecutors struggled with under previous interpretations. Ryu also championed legislation that criminalizes the distribution of AI-generated deepfakes, a response to increasing concerns about misinformation and its impact on individuals' reputations.

Both bills passed with bipartisan support, despite opposition from tech lobbyists. Ryu shared instances where juries previously failed to convict due to the stringent definitions of hate crimes. These laws are designed to enhance protections for vulnerable communities in Washington State and reflect a growing awareness of the implications of technology and bias in society. Ryu's efforts underscore her commitment to addressing social justice issues through legislative action.