Disclosure of Cameras in Residences Used for Short-Term Lodging
March 28, 2021 05:34 PM to All House Members
Circulated By
Representative Tina Davis
D House District 141
Along With
Rep. Jeanne McNeill
D House District 133
Memo
Where people stay when they travel has changed greatly. A person is no longer limited to staying in a traditional hotel when they travel. The rise of hosting platforms has allowed private citizens to rent their residences to people from across the globe for a few days or up to a few weeks.
However, these short-term rentals come with risks to the consumer’s privacy. Too many individuals have come forward about the owners of these residences using hidden cameras and secretly recording those occupying the residence. This creates an invasion of privacy, which endangers individuals and families with children.
While some cameras could have a legitimate purpose for the safety of both the owner and consumer, the consumer needs to be made aware of all recording devices. We are proposing legislation which would require the disclosure of any kind of audio or visual recording devices on the property, whether hidden or in plain sight, while the property is in use as short-term lodging. An individual found to be using hidden recording devices without disclosing their location would be charged with a felony.
We ask that you support this legislation and help us protect the privacy of those traveling across Pennsylvania.
However, these short-term rentals come with risks to the consumer’s privacy. Too many individuals have come forward about the owners of these residences using hidden cameras and secretly recording those occupying the residence. This creates an invasion of privacy, which endangers individuals and families with children.
While some cameras could have a legitimate purpose for the safety of both the owner and consumer, the consumer needs to be made aware of all recording devices. We are proposing legislation which would require the disclosure of any kind of audio or visual recording devices on the property, whether hidden or in plain sight, while the property is in use as short-term lodging. An individual found to be using hidden recording devices without disclosing their location would be charged with a felony.
We ask that you support this legislation and help us protect the privacy of those traveling across Pennsylvania.
Legislation
Document - Introduced as HB 2120
Last updated on March 28, 2021 05:35 PM
Disclosure of Cameras in Residences Used for Short-Term Lodging
March 28, 2021 05:34 PM to All House Members
Circulated By
DAVIS and MCNEILL
Memo
Where people stay when they travel has changed greatly. A person is no longer limited to staying in a traditional hotel when they travel. The rise of hosting platforms has allowed private citizens to rent their residences to people from across the globe for a few days or up to a few weeks.
However, these short-term rentals come with risks to the consumer’s privacy. Too many individuals have come forward about the owners of these residences using hidden cameras and secretly recording those occupying the residence. This creates an invasion of privacy, which endangers individuals and families with children.
While some cameras could have a legitimate purpose for the safety of both the owner and consumer, the consumer needs to be made aware of all recording devices. We are proposing legislation which would require the disclosure of any kind of audio or visual recording devices on the property, whether hidden or in plain sight, while the property is in use as short-term lodging. An individual found to be using hidden recording devices without disclosing their location would be charged with a felony.
We ask that you support this legislation and help us protect the privacy of those traveling across Pennsylvania.
However, these short-term rentals come with risks to the consumer’s privacy. Too many individuals have come forward about the owners of these residences using hidden cameras and secretly recording those occupying the residence. This creates an invasion of privacy, which endangers individuals and families with children.
While some cameras could have a legitimate purpose for the safety of both the owner and consumer, the consumer needs to be made aware of all recording devices. We are proposing legislation which would require the disclosure of any kind of audio or visual recording devices on the property, whether hidden or in plain sight, while the property is in use as short-term lodging. An individual found to be using hidden recording devices without disclosing their location would be charged with a felony.
We ask that you support this legislation and help us protect the privacy of those traveling across Pennsylvania.
Document
Introduced as HB 2120
Last Updated
March 28, 2021 05:35 PM
Generated 03/22/2025 02:51 AM