Bill > SB485

This bill allows group homes, shelter care facilities, and child welfare agencies that operate residential care centers for children and youth to use video surveillance and recordings in common areas, entrances, and exits without the explicit consent of the child being monitored, provided they inform the child and their guardian about the surveillance. These facilities must also adopt a policy for monitoring safety that may include such video surveillance. Importantly, this video monitoring cannot replace direct one-on-one supervision for children at high risk of self-harm, and the recorded data is confidential, with exceptions for public inspection similar to other agency records, and the department can review recordings. This new provision is added to existing law regarding patient rights, specifically amending a section that previously stated patients generally have a right not to be filmed or taped without their consent, with some exceptions for certain mental health patients and those under the department of corrections.

Health and Social Services

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb485