Salem, Oregon- The Oregon Senate passed a bill today that would give hotel and vacation rental guests the right to sue if they are recorded without consent in private spaces. The legislation, Senate Bill 470 (SB 470), expands privacy protections to cover unauthorized photos, videos, and audio recordings in rented accommodations.
“This bill was prompted by real-life experiences of guests being videorecorded when they expected privacy,” said Senator Anthony Broadman (D–Bend), who carried the bill on the Senate floor. “But nothing in the bill prohibits a hotel or short-term host from recording common areas such as lobbies, stairwells, or exterior exits. It would not be appropriate to position or direct cameras inside the private space someone rents, like a hotel room or a vacation condo.”
Under existing Oregon law, unauthorized recordings are considered an invasion of privacy only if they involve nudity. SB 470 expands this protection to cover any recordings made in private spaces where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
If the bill becomes law, guests who are unlawfully recorded will be able to seek compensatory damages and attorney’s fees. The legislation applies to innkeepers, landlords, and reservation services.
The Senate approved the bill with a unanimous 28-0 vote. SB 470 now moves to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.
Source: State of Oregon
Discover more from Medford Alert News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
