News California AB 2027 AI Worker Data 2026
April 22, 2026 — California AB 2027 Advances to Appropriations, Banning Employer Use of Worker Data to Train Replacement AI
The California Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection approved Assembly Bill 2027 on April 22, 2026, sending the bill to the Appropriations Committee. Introduced by Assembly Member Ward, AB 2027 prohibits employers from using a worker's personal information to train AI systems designed to replicate, automate, or replace that worker's job functions.
Key Provisions
- Worker data protection: Prohibits employers from using a worker's personal information to train AI systems intended to replicate, automate, or replace a worker's job duties.[1]
- Data sale restriction: Prevents the sale of worker personal information to third parties for the purpose of training AI systems that could replicate or replace worker functions.[1]
Legislative Progress
AB 2027 was approved by the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection and sent to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations on April 22, 2026.[1]
Context
AB 2027 is part of a broader package of California AI bills advancing in April 2026, alongside AB 2713 (AI Transparency Act adjustment), AB 2653 (Sweatfree AI Code of Conduct), and AB 2575 (AI in healthcare). The legislation responds to growing concerns about AI-driven workforce displacement and the use of employee data — including performance metrics, communications, and work product — to develop automation tools that could replace the workers who generated that data.[1]
See Also
- California AB 2713 — AI Transparency Act Adjustment
- California AB 2653 — Sweatfree AI Code of Conduct
- California AI Bills Advance to Appropriations