Through fast action by CSDA and its coalition partners, a problematic workplace data bill was quickly defeated.
The Workplace Technology Accountability Act was introduced on April 18, 2022, as a “gut and amend” to Assembly Bill 1651 (Kalra). The Act would have placed significant and unworkable restrictions on employers’ use of employee data, while restricting many new technologies, as well as commonplace technologies, imposing burdensome notice requirements, and opening the door to substantial workplace litigation risk by creating a private right of action and allowing for fines ranging up to $20,000. AB 1651 would have applied to public and private employers of all sizes.
The bill text can be viewed here.
Because of the compressed timeframe for the bill to be heard in legislative policy committees on short notice, CSDA advocacy staff quickly analyzed the bill and obtained an Oppose 3 position from CSDA CEO Neil McCormick. CSDA joined a coalition of employer groups, including public employers, in submitting a comprehensive opposition letter to the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. A copy of the letter can be viewed here. AB 1651, which had been specially set for committee hearing on Wednesday, April 27, was pulled from the committee hearing. This particular bill is not expected to move forward.
Future legislation is anticipated in this area. CSDA will remain engaged with its coalition partners.
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