Employer-employee relations: confidential communications.

Assembly Member Ahrens' proposal to shield confidential communications between public employees and their union representatives marks a new development in California's public sector labor relations framework. The legislation would prohibit public employers from questioning employees or union representatives about private discussions related to union representation, while also barring employers from compelling disclosure of these communications to third parties.

The measure builds on existing public employee labor protections by establishing specific parameters around confidential communications. Under the proposed rules, conversations between public employees and their union representatives would remain private when discussing matters within the scope of the union's representation duties. The bill explicitly aligns with precedent established in the William S. Hart Union High School District case from 2018.

Two key exceptions maintain flexibility for necessary investigations: The confidentiality provisions would not apply during criminal investigations or when public safety officers are under review according to existing protocols. These carve-outs preserve established investigative procedures while maintaining the broader confidentiality framework for standard labor relations matters. Public employers would need to modify their practices to comply with these new communication boundaries, though the measure requires no additional state funding for implementation.