TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: Executive Office
MEETING DATE: June 24, 2025
DEPARTMENT CONTACT:
Darcie Antle
PHONE:
707-463-4441
DEPARTMENT CONTACT:
Kelly Hansen
PHONE:
707-463-4441
ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
TIME ALLOCATED FOR ITEM: N/A
AGENDA TITLE:
title
Ratification of Letter of Opposition for Assembly Bill 1331 (Elhawary) - Workplace Surveillance
End
RECOMMENDED ACTION/MOTION:
recommendation
Ratify letter of opposition for Assembly Bill Assembly Bill 1331 (Elhawary) - workplace surveillance.
End
PREVIOUS BOARD/BOARD COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Board of Supervisors regularly issues support letters that align with the 2025 Legislative Platform. These letters advocate for adequate and ongoing federal and state funding, timely distribution of resources, increased local authority, and flexibility in administering and providing services.
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
AB 1331 would prohibit employers-including local governments-from using workplace surveillance tools to monitor workers in designated off-duty areas (such as breakrooms, lounges, and cafeterias) or during off-duty hours, including within workers' residences or vehicles. The bill would allow employees to deactivate surveillance devices during off-duty hours and prohibit employers from requiring the use of such devices. Civil penalties of $500 per employee per violation may be assessed, with enforcement available through the Labor Commissioner, civil action, or public prosecutors.
The California Labor Federation and a broad coalition of labor organizations sponsor the bill. It aims to protect worker privacy amid the expansion of advanced surveillance technologies, such as biometric tracking and keystroke logging.
Opponents, including California State Association of Counties (CSAC), Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), Urban Counties of California (UCC), and a broad business coalition argue that AB 1331 is too broad and undermines workplace safety. They claim it cate...
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