Bill > HB682

This bill establishes new restrictions on persistent aerial surveillance by state and local government units in Maryland, defining persistent aerial surveillance as the use of aircraft to record video or images that, when viewed together, depict a person's actions over time. The bill prohibits such surveillance for gathering criminal investigation evidence, with several specific exceptions. These exceptions allow persistent aerial surveillance when: a valid search warrant is obtained, an arrest warrant is being executed, law enforcement is in fresh pursuit of a suspect, conducting a search and rescue operation, locating an escaped prisoner, preventing imminent serious bodily harm, or responding to a high-risk terrorist threat as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. The legislation aims to protect individual privacy by limiting government's ability to conduct continuous aerial monitoring, while still providing law enforcement with necessary tools in critical situations. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving state and local agencies time to adjust their practices to comply with the new restrictions.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0682?ys=2025RS