California AI Bills Introduce New Labor Union Notice Requirements
California is considering new legislation that would require public agencies to notify labor unions before implementing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that could affect employee job duties. Assembly Bill 2656, part of a suite of labor-sponsored bills, mandates a 45-day notice period to labor unions before public agencies can develop, purchase, or use AI for services within the scope of work of represented employees. This bill aims to ensure transparency and accountability in AI usage without hindering innovation. Critics argue that the bill's requirements are redundant, as existing laws already mandate notice to labor unions when employment terms change. The bill is modeled after AB 339, which requires similar notice for public agency contract solicitations. 
