Reps. Rader, Cockley Introduce AI Regulations to Protect Workers & Government Programs

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Tristan Rader (D – Lakewood) and Christine Cockley (D – Columbus) this week introduced legislation to broadly address the use of AI in the public sector.

“AI is advancing faster than worker protections.” Rep. Rader said, “Decisions about hiring and firing, who gets public benefits and who doesn’t are far too important to hand over to an algorithm without accountability. We are the rule makers. We cannot sit on the sideline while people’s livelihoods are on the line.”

Just last year, the National AFL-CIO adopted the Worker’s First Initiative on AI, including principles like strengthening collective bargaining to include disruptions to the workforce by AI and ensuring that the use of AI does not perpetuate bias and discrimination in employment decisions.

"No one's livelihood should depend on an algorithm.” said Brian Pearson, Executive Secretary, North Shore AFL-CIO. “We have a moral responsibility to ensure technology serves humanity and respects the dignity of every worker. This bill is an important step toward that goal, bringing greater accountability to AI in government, making sure hiring and other workplace decisions are fair, and keeping real people accountable for the outcomes."

Already across the country, the use of AI software in government services has become increasingly controversial. In Nebraska, there is an ongoing lawsuit regarding an individual with disabilities losing access to essential services due to the judgement of the software, not expert specialists.

“As AI shapes our world, we have a responsibility to ensure innovation does not come at the expense of Ohioans.” said Rep. Cockley “This bill would establish necessary standards and safeguards for AI, keeping trust, accountability, and well-being at the forefront of Ohio workplaces.”

This bill imposes the following requirements for public sector agencies:

• Track AI-related layoffs: Require disclosure of AI’s role in covered layoff notices and collect information about AI-related job losses through unemployment filings.
• Address workplace monitoring and personnel decisions: Require notice, independent audits, meaningful human review, and opportunities to challenge AI-assisted hiring, evaluation, discipline, and firing decisions by public employers.
• Protect merit & equal treatment: Hold covered public and private employers accountable for unlawful discrimination in AI-assisted hiring, firing, and other employment decisions. Using an algorithm does not excuse an employer from following the law.
• Keep government accountable: Prohibit state agencies from using AI to decide who qualifies for taxpayer-funded assistance or what benefits they receive. Public officials must remain responsible for these decisions

This bill has been introduced and awaits a number and committee assignment.