Bill > S1734

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) by government entities in Massachusetts, creating strict guidelines to protect individual privacy and limit potential misuse. The legislation defines UAVs as aircraft operated without direct human intervention and sets clear restrictions on their deployment, including requiring authorization from the Secretary of Public Safety for acquisition and mandating compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The bill prohibits weaponizing drones and strictly limits their use, allowing deployment only under specific circumstances such as executing a warrant, responding to imminent threats to life or safety, or for non-law enforcement purposes with significant data protection constraints. Key privacy protections include banning the use of facial recognition technology, preventing collection of information about individuals' political, religious, or social views without probable cause, and requiring immediate deletion of any incidentally collected data within 24 hours. The legislation also mandates transparency by requiring government officials to report on drone warrant usage annually to the legislature and provide notification to individuals who were subjects of drone surveillance. Additionally, the bill ensures that improperly obtained drone evidence cannot be used in judicial proceedings, creating a robust framework to balance public safety needs with individual privacy rights.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1734