SB 439 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE DEVICES AND SYSTEMS AND SELF-SERVICE KIOSKS IN EMPLOYEE LOUNGES.

This bill prohibits employers from using electronic surveillance devices like audio recorders or closed-circuit cameras in employee areas designed for comfort or safety, such as restrooms, locker rooms, and lounges. It creates a specific exception allowing third-party vendors to operate surveillance at self-service kiosks in these areas, provided the cameras do not record sound and only monitor the checkout area and product display zones. The bill also restricts employers from requesting access to this video footage except when a theft is reported by the vendor, and it establishes fines and potential jail time for violations of these rules.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
May 2026
Signed into Law
Jun 2026
Introduced Mar 5, 2026 Signed Jun 2, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill LAB Joint Favorable Substitute · 5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to allow third-party vendors to operate surveillance in employee lounges for self-service kiosks, provided the cameras do not record audio and only focus on the checkout and display areas. The law now explicitly prohibits employers from viewing or using this video footage for disciplinary actions unless an employee theft is reported by the vendor. Additionally, the penalties for violations were expanded to include third-party vendors alongside employers.
Scope change
The scope of surveillance exemptions was expanded from only employers to include third-party vendors operating kiosks, while simultaneously restricting employer access to the resulting video evidence.
ELIGIBILITY

Third-party vendors operating self-service kiosks are now explicitly permitted to use electronic surveillance in employee lounges under specific conditions.

REQUIREMENT

Surveillance systems must not record audio or voice, and cameras must only record the checkout area and product display areas.

Third-party vendors must maintain sole custody of the video footage and cannot release it except as required by law.

Employers are prohibited from viewing or using the surveillance video for disciplinary actions unless an employee theft is reported by the vendor.

ENFORCEMENT

Penalties for violating surveillance rules now apply to both employers and third-party vendors.

Floor votes · Senate Apr 15, 2026 · House May 5, 2026

How they voted

360
Passed
Total votes 36
Apr 15, 2026
D Democratic25
25 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican11
11 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
24
Key actions
5
Committee
3
Jun 2, 2026
Signed into law
SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
upper
May 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
HOUSE PASSED
lower
Apr 15, 2026
Upper · Passed
SENATE PASSED
upper
Apr 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Joint Favorable
upper
Mar 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Joint Favorable Substitute
upper
Mar 5, 2026
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Labor and Public Employees
upper
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors