Bill > HB2532

This bill amends existing Virginia law regarding the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by law enforcement, expanding their permitted uses while maintaining certain restrictions. The bill defines UAS as an unmanned aircraft with associated control elements and communication links, and introduces several key modifications to when and how law enforcement can deploy these devices. It expedites the process for obtaining search warrants for UAS, allowing for prompt issuance in critical situations. The bill permits warrantless UAS deployment in several scenarios, including surveying crime scenes, locating fleeing persons, providing real-time aerial observation during emergencies, and supporting incident response. Additionally, the bill now explicitly allows law enforcement to use UAS during large public gatherings, demonstrations, or disturbances to ensure safety. The legislation maintains important protections, such as rendering evidence obtained through unauthorized UAS use inadmissible in court and prohibiting weaponized UAS deployment (with narrow exceptions at specific facilities). The bill also preserves existing provisions for UAS use in non-law enforcement contexts like damage assessment and research, while continuing to exempt military training activities from these regulations.