News Notes: Proposed Legislation On Workplace Electronic Monitoring

New legislation, SB 1841, has been introduced in Sacramento to require employers to notify employees in writing or electronically before monitoring the workplace electronically—by such means as computer, phone, wire, radio, or camera. The detailed notice would have to be issued when electronic monitoring is implemented and annually thereafter. Violations would carry a steep penalty of up to $5,000 plus punitive damages and attorney’s fees. The bill exempts an employer from meeting the notice requirements if the electronic monitoring is in connection with certain employee misconduct. We’ll keep you posted on this bill’s status.