Bill > SB1587

This bill, titled the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act, establishes strict limitations on how law enforcement agencies can use drones, which are defined as unmanned aerial vehicles. Generally, law enforcement cannot use drones to gather information unless specific exceptions apply: to counter a high risk of terrorism as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, with a judge-issued search warrant, or when there's reasonable suspicion that immediate action is needed to prevent harm, escape, or evidence destruction, though this latter exception is limited to 48 hours and requires reporting to the local State's Attorney. Drones used for locating missing persons or for crime scene and traffic crash photography are also permitted under certain conditions, with the latter requiring a warrant or consent on private property. The bill also prohibits law enforcement from using drones equipped with weapons and mandates that any information gathered in violation of these rules cannot be used as evidence in court. Furthermore, it includes provisions for information retention and disclosure, requiring most drone-collected data to be destroyed within 30 days unless it pertains to criminal activity or an ongoing investigation, and establishes annual reporting requirements for agencies owning drones to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.