S.20.2-17: Keeping Our Schools Safe from the Surveillance State Act (Passed)

[Senator-elect Spark]

AN ACT
to improve privacy rights

Section 1 (Title)
i. The title of this Act shall be the "Keeping Our Schools Safe from the Surveillance State Act."

Section 2 (Ban on surveillance cameras)
a. No school which receives government funding in the Southern Region may install or maintain surveillance cameras in the interior of school buildings.
b. No school which receives government funding in the Southern Region may install or maintain more than two working surveillance cameras on the exterior of school premises.
c. All surveillance cameras currently installed in Southern schools must be removed by July 1, 2021.
d. Any school district found to be in violation of this Act may be fined $5,000 for every violation.

Sponsor: MB

[Senator-elect Spark]

While I can see the Governor's POV for introducing this bill, I support an amendment to this legislation as I believe that common areas should be monitored as that is likely when the most disruption can happen. Bullying is prevalent in schools and sometimes it goes unnoticed. With surveillance cameras it avoids the he/she said and provides clear context and evidence for disciplinary actions to be taken.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Worth noting as well at if the chamber limits the number of outdoor cameras to 2, it also poses a safety risk in schools that have multiple entrances and exits, especially in situations like a school shooting, where anything collected by surveillance footage at entrances/exits would be necessary and valuable.

Might also be better to just say that surveillance cameras may not be installed in classrooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms, as that is a bit more clear of where is acceptable to put cameras and there is less confusion on what is considered a common area.

Amended.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Now motioning for a final vote. Objections are heard within 24 hours.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Your amended version still opens the door for lack of clarity on what is considered a "common area". 

A suggestion if anyone is willing to sponsor this version:

AN ACT
to improve privacy rights

Section 1 (Title)
i. The title of this Act shall be the "Keeping Our Schools Safe from the Surveillance State Act."

Section 2 (Provisions)
a. Schools may not install cameras in classrooms, school counselor offices, bathrooms, locker rooms, or any other designated changing or privacy area. Cameras may only be installed in common areas, which include, but are not limited to hallways, auditoriums, the main office, entrances and exits of the building, gymnasiums, and the cafeteria.
b. Surveillance cameras may be installed in outdoor common areas such as playgrounds, parking lots, athletic fields, and at exits and entrances to the schools.
c. All surveillance cameras currently installed in Southern schools must be removed by July 1, 2021.
d. Any school district found to be in violation of this Act may be fined $5,000 for every violation.

I move to sponsor

[Senator-elect Spark]

Again bringing this bill to a vote within 24 hours if there are no objections.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Voting has started and shall last for 48 hours.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Aye

[Senator-elect Spark]

Voting has closed as all member have voted. This bill passes 3-2.