Bill > HB209

This bill establishes the "Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act" which creates comprehensive regulations for the use of unmanned aircraft (drones) in Missouri. The legislation defines various types of aircraft, including drones, model aircraft, and manned aircraft, and places strict limitations on their use by government agencies and individuals. Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from using drones to gather evidence without a warrant, with exceptions for emergency situations involving imminent threats to life or during search and rescue operations. The bill restricts drone operations on private property without consent and prohibits surveillance of individuals, farms, and agricultural facilities. It outlines numerous specific scenarios where drone use is permitted, such as by educational institutions, military branches, utility companies, real estate professionals, and emergency responders. The legislation also provides legal recourse for aggrieved parties, stipulates that evidence obtained in violation of these rules is inadmissible in court, and increases penalties for misuse of drones over open-air facilities, ranging from infractions to felonies depending on the specific circumstances of the drone's use. Importantly, the bill waives sovereign immunity, allowing civil actions against state agencies for violations of these drone regulations.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB209&year=2025&code=R