Bill > S1446

This bill amends the General Laws of Massachusetts to regulate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. The key provisions are: 1. UAVs must comply with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and cannot be equipped with weapons. Their acquisition must be authorized by the Secretary of Public Safety. 2. Government entities can only operate UAVs to execute a warrant, for non-law enforcement purposes (with restrictions), or in emergency situations to address an imminent threat to life or safety. 3. Use of UAVs is subject to limitations, such as prohibiting the use of facial recognition technology except to identify a warrant subject, and requiring the deletion of any data collected on individuals, homes, or areas other than the warrant target. 4. Information obtained through unlawful UAV use is not admissible in legal proceedings, and the warrant subject must be notified within 7 days of data collection. 5. The bill also amends existing law to include UAVs under the definition of "helicopter" for certain wildlife management purposes.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1446