Artificial intelligence (“AI”) and other emerging technologies are rapidly changing the workplace—and California lawmakers have responded. In 2026, Governor Newsom signed several significant bills regulating AI-assisted employment decisions and workplace surveillance, while vetoing another that would have imposed new AI-related notice requirements on public agencies.
For California public agencies, these new laws establish important limits
Artificial intelligence (“AI”) has quickly evolved from an emerging technology into a tool that many employers use every day. Whether it is screening job applicants, drafting performance evaluations, summarizing workplace investigations, or assisting with policy development, AI is becoming increasingly integrated into public-sector operations.
California policymakers have taken notice. Earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom
As California public agencies increasingly experiment with generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools like ChatGPT, a critical question is no longer theoretical: are AI prompts and outputs subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act (“CPRA”)?
Recent reporting and public records requests suggest the answer may soon be tested in real time—and that agencies should
While many employers view implementation of workplace technology as a managerial prerogative, labor unions are increasingly framing issues such as electronic surveillance of employees, workplace algorithmic decision-making, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven management tools as core terms and conditions of employment and a new frontier for labor rights.
A set of proposed bills before the California
Artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools are increasingly being marketed as a way to streamline workplace investigations: summarizing evidence, generating interview outlines, comparing witness statements, or even “detecting inconsistencies” in testimony. While these tools may appear to help investigators move faster, public employers should approach AI-assisted investigations with caution. California public agencies have unique obligations to ensure
Artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated decision systems (ADS) are becoming more common in public sector hiring. Resume screeners, video interview platforms, and other algorithmic tools promise efficiency—but they also bring legal risk.
Starting October 1, 2025, new regulations under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) will go into effect. These rules clarify how
Public agencies often find themselves caught between two important obligations: protecting confidential information and fulfilling legal requirements for transparency. Questions commonly arise about when—and how much—sensitive information can be redacted without running afoul of the law. This blog post addresses some of the most common redaction scenarios involving California Public Records Act (“CPRA”) requests, union
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This blog was originally published in December 2013 but has been reviewed and updated for 2025.
It’s that time of year again to reflect on this year’s achievements and set goals for the new year. With the beginning of 2025 upon us, we encourage managers, supervisors, and human resources personnel to add the following five
