In one paragraph
California's AB 1221 (2025-26 Regular Session) would have regulated workplace surveillance tools and employer use of worker data. Employers would have had to give affected workers 30 days' written notice before introducing a tool, and could not use tools incorporating facial, gait or emotion recognition technology, except as specified. Civil penalty $500 per violation. It was held in Assembly Appropriations May 23, 2025 and died under Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution on January 31, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and never became law. It would have required employers, including public employers, to give notice before using surveillance tools and limited facial, gait and emotion recognition.
Key provisions
- Would add Part 5.7 (commencing with Section 1550) to Division 2 of the Labor Code
- Employer would have to give an affected worker written notice at least 30 days before introducing a workplace surveillance tool, describing the data collected, the purpose and why the surveillance is necessary
- Employer could not transfer, sell, disclose or license worker data to a vendor unless the vendor is under contract to analyze or interpret it and the contract has certain terms
- Would prohibit tools incorporating facial, gait or emotion recognition technology, except as specified, and using a tool to infer immigration status, veteran status, ancestral history, religious or political beliefs, disability status, criminal record or credit history
- Labor Commissioner would enforce; an employee could bring a civil action and public prosecutors could enforce; employers would face a civil penalty of $500 per violation
- 'Employer' would include public employers, as specified
- Status: died pursuant to Article IV, Section 10(c) of the Constitution on January 31, 2026; filed with the Chief Clerk February 2, 2026
Latest legislative action
Jan 31, 2026. Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
Sponsors (showing 5 of 42)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Alejo | Author |
| Aroner | Author |
| Beth Gaines | Coauthor |
| Brown | Coauthor |
| Bryan | Author |
Roll call votes
Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] May 1, 2025
10 yea1 nay4 otherPassed
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Privacy and Consumer Protection] Apr 2, 2025
5 yea0 nay2 otherPassed
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
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