Bill > SB5937

This bill, concerning the use of smart access systems in residential properties governed by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, introduces new regulations and definitions. It defines "smart access system" as technology used to grant entry to a building, dwelling unit, or common area, excluding simple keypads, and "authentication data" as information collected during the entry process, excluding video or audio monitoring. The bill mandates that landlords must offer tenants an alternative key option if they request one, such as a key fob, card, physical key, or keypad entry, if the primary system uses biometric data or a mobile app. Furthermore, landlords must provide tenants with a written privacy policy detailing what data is collected, how it's protected, its retention schedule, and protocols for data breaches, or provide access to the developer's privacy policy. The bill also limits the collection of data by smart access systems to the minimum necessary for operation and specifies what types of data, including user name, access details, and time of access for security, can be collected, with an effective date of January 1, 2027.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5937&Year=2025&Initiative=false