CA AB96: Public employment: local public transit agencies: autonomous transit vehicle technology.

In one paragraph

California's AB 96 adds Government Code §§ 3125-3130. At least 10 months before beginning a procurement process (a request for proposals or quotations) to acquire or deploy autonomous transit vehicle technology that would eliminate job functions or jobs, a local public transit employer, such as a city, county, transit district or joint powers authority, must notify the affected workforce's exclusive employee representative in writing. On the union's written request, the two must bargain over developing and implementing the technology, a transition plan and training for new positions. Signed October 8, 2023 (Chapter 419); effective January 1, 2024.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

No duties for businesses. Local public transit agencies must notify their unions at least 10 months before starting procurement of job-eliminating autonomous vehicle technology, and bargain over it on request.

Key provisions

1. 1Autonomous transit vehicle technology: technology capable of driving a vehicle without active physical control by a human operator (§ 3125)
2. 2Public transit employer: any local governmental agency, including a city, county, special district, transit district or joint powers authority, that provides public transit services (passenger service to the general public, including paratransit)
3. 3At least 10 months before beginning a procurement process (request for proposals, solicitation of proposals or request for quotations) to acquire or deploy such technology that would eliminate job functions or jobs, the employer must give written notice to the affected workforce's exclusive employee representative (§ 3126); Public Records Act rights are preserved
4. 4On written request, bargaining must start within 30 days of the representative receiving the notice or within 10 days of the employer receiving the request, whichever is later (§ 3127)
5. 5Bargaining is limited to developing and implementing the technology, a transition plan for affected workers, and plans to train the workforce for new positions, or related mandatory subjects
6. 6The Public Employment Relations Board hears unfair practice charges, but only for transit district employers already under its jurisdiction, and may adopt emergency regulations (§ 3130); the chapter does not reduce existing labor protections
7. 7Signed October 8, 2023 (Chapter 419, Statutes of 2023); effective January 1, 2024

Latest legislative action

Oct 8, 2023. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 419, Statutes of 2023.

Sponsors

Roll call votes (showing 3 of 5)

Related and companion bills

• California AB2441Public employment: local public transit agencies: autonomous transit vehicle technology.