Lawmakers target AI use in public sector

Two House Democrats are looking for more accountability in the public sector when it comes to the use of artificial intelligence.

Reps. Tristan Rader, D-Lakewood, and Christine Cockley, D-Columbus, recently introduced 
House Bill 1032, a proposal that aims to increase transparency surrounding AI in the workplace. It would do that by requiring disclosures, independent audits, meaningful human review, and opportunities to challenge AI-assisted hiring, evaluation, discipline and firing decisions by public employers.

“What we're tackling here, I think, are some of the more immediate concerns that people have about hiring, firing, employment decisions, and about what public assistance decisions are being made or could potentially be made by AI,” Rader said in an interview.

He added that the bill is necessary because he believes the state and local governments are “a little bit behind” in addressing those challenges.

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

The pair explained that agencies would be required to disclose AI’s role in covered layoff notices. They would also be required to collect information about AI-related job losses through unemployment filings.

The measure also prohibits state agencies from using AI to determine eligibility for taxpayer-funded assistance, ensuring public officials remain responsible for those decisions.

Rader said HB 1032 has already received positive feedback from labor unions, identifying one provision that allows public unions to negotiate around AI “because we know that workers know best.”

“This is a brand new territory for a lot of workplaces, and it should be part of that negotiation process,” he said. “So we wanted to make sure that was included in that specific section of the law around bargaining rights.”

The National AFL-CIO recently adopted the Worker’s First Initiative on AI, which also includes principles like updating collective bargaining to include disruptions to the workforce by AI.

It also aims to ensure that AI does not perpetuate bias and discrimination in employment decisions.

Brian Pearson, executive secretary North Shore AFL-CIO, said: “No one’s livelihood should depend on an algorithm.”

“We have a moral responsibility to ensure technology serves humanity and respects the dignity of every worker,” he said in a statement. “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."

Rader said, while he does not believe the proposal will clear both chambers before the end of the year, he believes the concept will have broad support within the Legislature if reintroduced during the next General Assembly.

He added that he believes the co-sponsor request and explanation of the proposal were worded in a way that ensures ongoing conversations can happen “because I think it's too important not to make progress on.”