California Legislature Passed AI Notification Bill

Assembly Bill 2656 mandates government agencies notify labor unions before implementing generative AI tools.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

California Legislature Passed AI Notification Bill

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Should government agencies be required to notify employees before adopting new AI tools?

The California Legislature has passed Assembly Bill 2656, a measure requiring government agencies to provide written notice to employee unions before adopting generative AI technology. The legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, currently awaits the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom to become law.

Why it matters

The bill aims to foster transparency and accountability as state agencies integrate artificial intelligence into public operations. By requiring advance notice, it provides a window for unions to address how new technologies may impact the services currently performed by government employees.

The bill applies to generative AI tools capable of performing services currently handled by public employees. This mandate includes a 45-day notice period for employers to inform unions of any planned AI procurement or development.

The players

Cottie Petrie-Norris

She is a member of the California State Assembly representing the 73rd district based in Irvine.

Gavin Newsom

He is the current Governor of California responsible for signing or vetoing legislation passed by the state legislature.

MissionSquare Research Institute

This organization conducts studies regarding public sector workforce trends, including the impact of technology on government employment.

The details

Assembly Bill 2656 specifically targets tools that could displace public employees or alter their job functions. It seeks to balance technological advancement with the labor rights of state workers by mandating formal disclosure of automated systems.

A MissionSquare Research Institute study on AI usage was conducted in June 2025.
The California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 2656 in 2026.

The Tech Race

The legislation addresses the growing anxiety within the public workforce regarding AI-driven automation, mirroring findings from the 2025 MissionSquare Research Institute study where over 50% of workers expressed concern. This move positions California at the forefront of state-level oversight in the broader technological arms race between government efficiency and labor protections.

Public employees across California may see increased transparency regarding new software tools implemented in their workplaces. For the state government, the mandate introduces a mandatory 45-day wait time for new AI procurement, potentially slowing the adoption of automated systems.

The takeaway

Legislative efforts like Assembly Bill 2656 reflect a broader trend of formalizing the transition to automated labor in the public sector. Workers should prepare for increased communication and potential training updates as these notification mandates become standard across government agencies.