SF 499 – Use of monitoring devices by government
COMMITTEE ACTION:
SF 499 prohibits the state or a political subdivision, including a public library, public school or other government office open to the public, from using a monitoring device in a toilet, bath or shower facility, locker room or other space where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. The bill defines “monitoring device” as a digital video and audio streaming or recording device. The bill nullifies any local ordinance, rule or other measure that permits using such monitoring devices. This bill is in response to an American Civil Liberties Union complaint against the Iowa City Public Library over privacy concerns with security cameras. In 2013, the ACLU of Iowa obtained recordings from the common areas of men’s and women’s restrooms via a public records request. The footage showed patrons changing their clothes. An amendment was adopted to allow the epilepsy ward at the University of Iowa to keep its cameras/monitoring equipment in their bathroom for safety reasons.
[4/11: 49-0 (Allen excused)]