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Bill

SB 1130

Invasion of privacy: wearable recording devices.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eloise Reyes

California bill creating criminal penalties for secretly recording others with wearable devices without consent, strengthening privacy protections against unauthorized surveillance technology.

From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.
#invasionofprivacy #wearablerecordingdevices
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1130

Legislative bill overview

SB 1130 addresses criminal penalties and regulations related to wearable recording devices (such as body cameras, smartglasses, or similar technology) used to secretly record individuals without consent. The bill appears designed to strengthen privacy protections by clarifying when and how such devices can legally be used to capture audio or video of others.

Why is this important

As wearable recording technology becomes more accessible and affordable, unauthorized surveillance poses growing privacy concerns for everyday people in public and private spaces. Clear legal definitions and penalties help protect individuals from being secretly recorded while also potentially establishing guidelines for legitimate uses (law enforcement, workplace safety, etc.).

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: How broadly "wearable recording devices" are defined could affect everything from smartglasses to phones to body cameras—overly broad definitions might inadvertently restrict legitimate devices
  • Consent and public spaces: Determining when consent is required in public versus private settings, and how that applies to business owners, journalists, or law enforcement
  • Enforcement challenges: Proving intent to invade privacy and distinguishing between accidental recording and deliberate surveillance in practical application

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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