Bill > HB940

This bill establishes new regulations for law enforcement agencies and officers regarding the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and is referred to as the "Law Enforcement Training Standards Governing Operations Act" or "LETS GO! Act." It defines key terms such as "forensic" (examining UAS data as evidence), "intercept" (detecting, tracking, disabling, seizing, or mitigating a UAS threat), and "unmanned aircraft system" itself, while excluding certain government and utility-related drone uses. The bill outlines that law enforcement can take "reasonable mitigation measures" against UAS suspected of illegal or threatening conduct, provided these actions are consistent with approved "rules of engagement" (policies for responding to UAS), documented, and reported to the Attorney General within 72 hours. It mandates training for officers involved in UAS interception and mitigation, requires agencies to maintain training records, and mandates annual reports on training and incidents to the Attorney General. The bill also designates the Office of Technology Services and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) as lead agencies for technical and procurement coordination, requiring them to develop uniform standards for UAS detection, interception, and forensic technologies, and to certify equipment for safety and interoperability. A Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Joint Task Force will be created, comprising representatives from various state agencies and associations, to oversee and report on these activities. The bill provides a presumption of lawful authority for officers acting in good faith and in substantial compliance with the law, though immunity does not extend to gross negligence or willful misconduct. Finally, the Office of State Police, in consultation with the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association, is directed to adopt rules covering rules of engagement, training standards, evidence management, inter-agency coordination, privacy protections, and procurement standards for UAS mitigation and forensic equipment.

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https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26rs&b=HB940&sbi=y