Bill > HB1148

This bill creates the Arkansas Privacy Act, which primarily focuses on regulating the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones) to protect individual and property privacy. The legislation establishes detailed restrictions on using drones to capture images of private property or individuals without consent, defining specific circumstances where drone use is lawful. The bill creates criminal penalties for unlawful drone surveillance, including Class B and C misdemeanors for capturing or possessing unauthorized images. It also provides a civil remedy, allowing property owners to sue for damages up to $5,000 for image capture and $10,000 for image distribution, with a two-year statute of limitations. The bill comprehensively lists numerous exceptions where drone use is permitted, such as for research, utility maintenance, law enforcement operations, emergency services, agricultural purposes, and professional mapping. Importantly, the legislation defines "image" broadly to include not just visual recordings, but also sound waves, thermal, infrared, ultraviolet, and electromagnetic waves captured by drones. The bill aims to balance technological innovation with personal privacy rights by creating clear guidelines for drone usage in Arkansas.