Bill > HB471

This bill establishes new regulations for the use of unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drones, by state and local government entities in Maryland. It prohibits these entities from deploying or operating drones for surveillance, evidence collection, or any other purpose, and also forbids them from using information gathered by any drone, regardless of who operated it, with several specific exceptions. These exceptions include situations where a valid search warrant is obtained, when executing an arrest warrant, during fresh pursuit of a suspect, to aid in active search and rescue operations, to locate an escaped prisoner, if a law enforcement officer reasonably believes it's necessary to prevent imminent serious bodily harm, or if the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security determines there's a high risk of a terrorist attack and drone use is necessary to counter it. Crucially, any evidence obtained in violation of these new rules will be inadmissible in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0471?ys=2026RS