Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits the use of drones by law enforcement agencies, effective June 30, 2015.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a law enforcement agency from using a “drone” or acquiring or disclosing information obtained through the use of a “drone” without a warrant (Sec. 1).

• Defines “drone” as a powered aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, can fly autonomously or remotely, and can be expendable or recoverable (Sec. 1).

• Requires a warrant authorizing the use of a drone to specify the geographical location and period for which the drone will be used (Sec. 1).

• Exempts the use of a drone from the warrant requirements in certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The agency has probable cause to believe an individual is committing a felony and the use of a drone is likely to assist in prevention of the felony;
• The agency determines there is an imminent threat to the life or safety of an individual;
• The agency uses a drone for search and rescue operations; and
• The agency uses a drone for training purposes.

• Requires a governmental entity that uses a drone to report the following information to the attorney general before August 1 each year (Sec. 1):
• The number of times the agency used a drone in the last year;
• The factual basis showing the need for each use; 
• The cost of using the drone; and
• The type of data collected.

• Specifies that information obtained through the use of a drone by a governmental entity is not admissible in a legal proceeding unless the information was obtained according to the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill expire on July 1, 2021 (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text