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Panel advances bill requiring 45‑day notice to employee organizations before deploying generative AI in public workplaces
Summary
AB 2656 would require public employers to provide at least 45 days written notice to recognized employee organizations before developing, purchasing, implementing, or using generative AI in represented job classifications; labor groups supported notice while county and local government groups raised scope and implementation concerns; the committee advanced the bill to appropriations.
AB 2656 was presented as a measure to increase transparency and worker input on generative AI use in public employment. The bill would require public employers to give at least 45 days' written notice to recognized employee organizations before developing, purchasing, implementing or utilizing generative AI to perform work in represented job classifications.
Assemblymember Petrie Norris introduced the bill and said the requirement would promote a more transparent, thoughtful approach to AI in public employment and help identify risks like bias, errors or lack of human oversight. "This is a balanced approach that supports innovation while reinforcing stable labor relations and informed decision making," the author said.
Ben Therio, vice president of the Peace Officers Research Association of California, testified as a cosponsor and said the bill's core is a simple notification requirement that gives workers time to prepare. "A simple email to a labor leader is all that this entitles," Therio said, urging support.
Representatives of the urban counties coalition, rural counties and associations of special districts and counties registered opposition or concerns, citing scope and implementation burdens and seeking collaborative language changes. The author indicated a willingness to work with stakeholders while asking for an "I" vote.
Outcome: The committee moved AB 2656 to the Committee on Appropriations and recorded affirmative votes; supporters and opponents said they expect to continue negotiations.
Why it matters: The bill addresses the growing use of generative AI in public agencies and seeks to give employee organizations early notice and time to raise concerns about implementation that could affect job duties, evaluations, or working conditions.
