Bill > S1557

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. The acquisition of UAVs by state, county, or municipal governments requires approval from the Secretary of Public Safety. 2. Government entities can only operate UAVs to execute a warrant, for purposes unrelated to law enforcement, or in emergency situations when there is a threat to life or safety. Strict limitations are placed on the use of facial recognition and other biometric technology, and the collection and retention of data from UAV operations. 3. Information gathered from unlawful UAV use cannot be used as evidence in any judicial or regulatory proceedings. Authorities must notify individuals within 7 days if their information was collected, with some exceptions for delaying notification. 4. Judges must report annually on the warrants they have issued for UAV use, and the court administrator will provide a summary report to the legislature.