Oregon Senate passes Broadman bill allowing hotel, rental guests to sue over videos, photos in private spaces

(Update: Adding Video)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Guests in Oregon hotels and short-term vacation rentals will have the authority to sue innkeepers, landlords and reservation services under a Senate bill passed Tuesday, if these rental providers record still photos, videos, or audio of the guests in private spaces.

“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.”

The legislation, SB 470, specifies that victims can claim compensatory damages and attorney’s fees when they file suit over photos or recordings. In current law, photos and videos taken or shared without consent are an invasion of privacy if nudity is involved. The bill passed Tuesday widens the definition to any images taken when a person reasonably expects privacy in their vacation rental or hotel room.

The vote on the Oregon Senate floor was 28 to 0. The measure goes next to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.