The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 439, amends Section 31-48b of the general statutes to regulate the use of electronic surveillance devices in employee lounges, specifically in relation to self-service kiosks. The bill prohibits employers and their representatives from operating surveillance systems to monitor employees in areas designated for their health and comfort, such as restrooms and locker rooms. However, it allows third-party vendors operating self-service kiosks in these lounges to use surveillance devices, provided they do not record sound or voice and only capture video of the checkout area and product display area. The third-party vendor is responsible for maintaining the video footage and can only release it under specific legal circumstances or in cases of reported theft by an employee.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for violations of these provisions, with fines escalating from $500 for the first offense to $1,000 for subsequent offenses, along with potential imprisonment for repeat offenders. It also includes provisions to protect the confidentiality of employment contract negotiations, making it illegal for any party to record such discussions without consent. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and aims to balance the use of surveillance technology with the privacy rights of employees.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 31-48b
LAB Joint Favorable Substitute: 31-48b
File No. 366: 31-48b
JUD Joint Favorable: 31-48b