Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an employee from recording audio or sound, without permission, in a non-public area of an employer, effective January 1, 2016.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an employee from intentionally entering a “non-public area” of his or her employer to engage in certain activities contrary to the employer’s interests, including, but not limited to, the following activities (Sec. 1):
• Removing the employer’s data, papers, or records;
• Recording video or sound within the employer’s property; and
• Placing an unattended camera or electronic surveillance device on the property.

• Defines “non-public areas” as those areas not accessible to, or not intended to be accessed by, the general public (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a state court to award 1 or more of the following remedies to an employer who prevails in a legal action against an employee for breaching the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1):
• Equitable relief;
• Compensatory damages;
• Court costs and legal fees; and
• $5,000 for each day that the employee breached the provisions of this bill.

• Exempts a governmental agency or law enforcement officer from liability if they are engaging in a lawful investigation of an employer or the employer’s property (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an employee from recording audio or sound, without permission, in a non-public area of an employer, effective January 1, 2016.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an employee from intentionally entering a “non-public area” of his or her employer to engage in certain activities contrary to the employer’s interests, including, but not limited to, the following activities (Sec. 1):
• Removing the employer’s data, papers, or records;
• Recording video or sound within the employer’s property; and
• Placing an unattended camera or electronic surveillance device on the property.

• Defines “non-public areas” as those areas not accessible to, or not intended to be accessed by, the general public (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a state court to award 1 or more of the following remedies to an employer who prevails in a legal action against an employee for breaching the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1):
• Equitable relief;
• Compensatory damages;
• Court costs and legal fees; and
• $5,000 for each day that the employee breached the provisions of this bill.

• Exempts a governmental agency or law enforcement officer from liability if they are engaging in a lawful investigation of an employer or the employer’s property (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor Patrick McCrory

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an employee from recording audio or sound, without permission, in a non-public area of an employer, effective January 1, 2016.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an employee from intentionally entering a “non-public area” of his or her employer to engage in certain activities contrary to the employer’s interests, including, but not limited to, the following activities (Sec. 1):
• Removing the employer’s data, papers, or records;
• Recording video or sound within the employer’s property; and
• Placing an unattended camera or electronic surveillance device on the property.

• Defines “non-public areas” as those areas not accessible to, or not intended to be accessed by, the general public (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a state court to award 1 or more of the following remedies to an employer who prevails in a legal action against an employee for breaching the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1):
• Equitable relief;
• Compensatory damages;
• Court costs and legal fees; and
• $5,000 for each day that the employee breached the provisions of this bill.

• Exempts a governmental agency or law enforcement officer from liability if they are engaging in a lawful investigation of an employer or the employer’s property (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text