Bill > S1835

This bill establishes regulations for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are defined as aircraft operated without direct human control. It mandates that all UAV use must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and prohibits equipping them with weapons. The acquisition of UAVs by state or county governments requires authorization from the Secretary of Public Safety, while municipalities need approval from their governing bodies and the Secretary of Public Safety. Government entities are restricted in their UAV operations, generally only permitted to use them for executing warrants, for non-law enforcement purposes where collected information cannot be used in criminal proceedings or for intelligence, or in emergencies with documented justification and a supervisory affidavit filed within 48 hours. When operating under a warrant, UAVs must limit data collection to the warrant's subject and avoid collecting information on individuals, homes, or areas not specified. The use of facial recognition or other biometric technology is prohibited except to identify a warrant subject, and UAVs cannot be used to track political, religious, or social views unless directly related to criminal activity. Data collected on individuals or areas not targeted must be deleted within 24 hours or with the data subject's consent. Information obtained unlawfully or in violation of data retention limits cannot be used as evidence in legal proceedings. The bill also outlines procedures for warrant applications, including potential delays in notifying the warrant subject, and requires government entities to provide the warrant subject with a copy of the warrant and related information within seven days of data collection. Finally, it mandates annual reporting to the legislature on the issuance and denial of warrants for UAV use.