Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits the use of wearable recording devices in places of business in California.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a person or entity from buying, manufacturing, or selling wearable recording devices without a light, sound, or other indicator that makes it clear they are recording to a person within their vicinity (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a person or entity from buying, manufacturing, or selling wearable recording devices whose visible recording indicators can be disabled (Sec. 1).

• Classifies any violation of this section as a civil violation with a penalty of no more than $2,500 (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a person from operating a wearable recording device to record a person in any area within a place of business where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, unless the operator has the explicit consent of that person to record (Sec. 2).

• Exempts the following from the prohibitions of Section 2 (Sec. 2):

• The recording of a public officer or peace officer while the officer is in a public place; and

• The use of hearing aids, augmentative and alternative communication devices, and similar devices by a person afflicted with impaired hearing or any communication disorder.

• Classifies a violation of Section 2 as a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,500 per violation, or imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or both (Sec. 2)

• Authorizes airport authorities to record any communication that they could lawfully overhear (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes a party to record for the purpose of obtaining evidence reasonably believed to relate to the commission by another party to the communication of the crime of extortion, kidnapping, bribery, and any felony involving violence (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text