Page 13 - This Year in Albany 2025

BILLS PASSED
Civil Service
Regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Public Sector
S.7599 (Gonzalez) / A.8295 (Otis)
CSEA Position: Support
This bill builds upon last year’s legislative success, the LOADing
Act, which protected employees of state agencies and public
authorities from displacement due to AI. This bill expands
these protections to local governments, school districts, and
SUNY, ensuring that employees are protected from layoffs,
terminations, or reductions in hours/salary due to AI. The bill
also provides transparency by requiring employers to report their
use of AI systems.
Providing Appointment Letters to Public Employees
S.5760 (Jackson) / A.6624 (Pheffer Amato)
CSEA Position: Support
This legislation requires that when a public employer offers someone a job or promotion, they
must provide specific information about the position, including terms of employment, salary, and
benefits. This is a common-sense measure that ensures that current and prospective employees
have access to all of the job related information that they are entitled to.
CBA Layoff Rights
S.12 (Jackson) / A.779 (Pheffer Amato)
CSEA Position: Support
This legislation would clarify that CBAs remain valid and enforceable when they contain layoff
provisions that exceed what is mandated by law. In 2023, a law was enacted to grant layoff rights
to all classified employees. However, the Department of Civil Service has interpreted the
provisions of this law as a ceiling, rendering any CBAs with more protective layoff procedures
unenforceable. This legislation allows CBAs with more protective layoff procedures to remain in
effect.