Coffee with State Representative Cindy Ryu

State Representative Cindy Ryu discussed pivotal legislative efforts for the 2025 session, including her "Deepfake" bill, which criminalizes the distribution of AI-generated content that misrepresents individuals. The Forged Digital Likenesses bill passed with bipartisan support and exempts artistic, educational, or satirical content. Ryu emphasized the importance of her hate crime legislation, which broadens the definition to include offenses motivated by perceptions of race, gender, and other characteristics. This amendment aims to clarify jury instructions, allowing for more effective prosecution of hate crimes that previously went unpunished. An example she provided involved a same-sex couple unable to prosecute a vandal due to jury confusion over motivations.

Ryu also cosponsored the Right to Repair law, which empowers consumers to access the tools and information needed to repair their electronic devices. As Chair of the Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee, she champions consumer rights and accountability in the tech sector. These legislative initiatives address pressing issues related to technology and social equity in Washington State.