Bill > HB1219

Introduced Session

Use of unmanned aircraft systems by law-enforcement officers; search warrants. Permits the use of unmanned aircraft systems without a search warrant (i) to provide real-time aerial observation of law-enforcement incidents to increase on-scene safety and security, deliver essential supplies, and provide enhanced communication for emergency personnel in response to emergency calls; (ii) to capture digital documentation of a crime scene or response to a public safety call for service only when such crime scene or call for service is located on public property; and (iii) to aerially survey public property incident to a call for service for purposes of locating and identifying any persons of interest while a law-enforcement officer is physical en route to such location. The bill also authorizes the use of unmanned aircraft systems for fire or rescue operations. Such provisions are subject to a reenactment clause. The bill also adds to the powers and duties of the Department of Criminal Justice Services to, in consultation with the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission and the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys, establish a model policy for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems, pursuant to relevant law, by any state or local law-enforcement agency or sheriff's office and make such policy available on the Department's website. The bill directs such model policy to be established by December 1, 2026.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Briana Sewell (D)*,  Jackie Glass (D), 

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote) (on 03/06/2026)

Official Document