Nevada will use AI for unemployment appeals. Some lawmakers are skeptical.

Nevada’s employment agency is rolling out a Google AI tool to help make rulings on unemployment appeal cases. The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation has eyed using the tool since summer 2024. But less-than-desired accuracy rates prolonged the rollout. The agency says it speeds up decisions and reduces staff workload. The project costs $2.6 million. The state has spent about $1.1 million. Officials say two workers still review each case. Lawmakers and experts raise concerns about consent and transparency. They also worry about bias and AI “hallucinations.” The agency says there are various security measures in place to protect data.