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Additional bill would limit employer surveillance in private and off‑duty spaces, sponsors say
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Summary
AB 1331 would tighten limits on employer monitoring of workers in private spaces such as restrooms, vehicles and homes and was presented as part of a multi‑bill package on workplace technology. Supporters said the bill restores worker dignity; hospitals and many businesses warned of operational and security conflicts.
Assemblymember El Hawari (presenting AB 13 31) told the committee AB 13 31 is "part of our 3 bill package, to put some guardrails on workplace technology to protect workers," and that it specifically limits surveillance in private spaces and off‑duty locations.
Sponsor testimony described commercially available tools that can monitor heat, motion, keystrokes, webcam activity and other signals that can be combined with AI to infer worker activity. "Controleo is another product. They monitor keystrokes so they can see what you're typing, how fast you're typing," said Sarah Flocks of the California Federation of Labor Unions, testifying in support.
Opponents including the California Hospital Association, chambers of commerce, retailers and other industry groups said the bill as drafted would be impractical for institutions that rely on ubiquitous security monitoring to protect patients, staff and property. The hospital association said cameras in corridors, parking lots and other public spaces are critical for investigating assaults, larceny and other incidents and for complying with workplace‑violence prevention standards.
Business witnesses also warned the bill could interfere with cybersecurity monitoring, badge access systems, vehicle telematics that monitor safety, and theft‑prevention systems. Sponsors said they would continue talks with opponents to narrow exemptions and produce workable language.
The committee voted to refer the bill to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
