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AB-1331 • 2026

Workplace surveillance.

Workplace surveillance.

Labor Privacy
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Elhawary
Last action
Official status
Senate - Inactive
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill status shows it passed both chambers but was ordered to an inactive file; this summary reflects the content of the legislation as written, not its final enactment status.

Limits on Workplace Surveillance Tools

This law limits how employers can use surveillance tools and gives workers the right to leave personal tracking devices behind in specific areas.

What This Bill Does

  • Prohibits employers from monitoring or surveilling workers in employee-only, employer-designated areas as specified by the bill.
  • Allows workers to leave workplace surveillance tools on their person when entering certain employee-only areas and public bathrooms during off-duty hours.
  • Forbids workers from removing or physically tampering with any component of a workplace surveillance tool that is part of or embedded in employer equipment or vehicles.
  • Sets a civil penalty of $500 for each time an employer breaks these rules.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Employers who use workplace surveillance tools.
  • Workers subject to monitoring by their employers.
  • Public prosecutors authorized to bring specified enforcement actions against violators.

Terms To Know

Workplace surveillance tool
A device or system used by an employer to monitor workers, as defined in the bill.
Employee-only areas
Spaces designated by the employer that are restricted for worker use only.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The official text states rules apply 'as specified' but does not list every specific area or condition in this summary.
  • The bill has reached final enrollment, but an effective date is not listed in the provided metadata.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Senate - Inactive

Official Summary Text

Workplace surveillance.