by Mario Mairena

In Colorado, SB 15-059 was defeated in the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 3-2 vote. The bill would have permitted law enforcement to use UAS only after obtaining a warrant, or in emergency situations. The bill would have imposed a 25 pound weight limit and required agencies to receive federal aviation administration authority prior to using UAS. This effort would not have been possible without the active and direct involvement of the AUVSI Rocky Mountain Chapter and its members,  Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, UAS Colorado and Rocky Mountain UAS. Specifically, Ben Miller, AUVSI Board member and Sheriff from Mesa County and Allen Bishop, President, AUVSI Rocky Mountain Chapter, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

 

In the House, Colorado lawmakers want to criminalize the use of drones when they're used to monitor someone without their consent. HB-15-1115 is scheduled for a House committee vote on March 3 and the bill would make it a crime of first-degree trespassing to take images of someone when they have an expectation of privacy. Drone users could also be charged with harassment if they use the technology to monitor someone's movements.

 

In Wyoming, a bill to restrict law enforcement use of drones died in a Wyoming Senate committee, after police organizations warned it could prevent authorities from using evidence gathered unexpectedly by the aircraft. The bill would have prohibited law enforcement from using information gleaned from drones if an agency doesn’t have a search warrant. It would have allowed the use of drone surveillance in some emergency situations without a warrant. Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3 to 2 to reject the bill. It already had passed in the House. Supporters of the measure had argued it would help prevent invasive surveillance programs by authorities.

 

In Virginia, HB 2125 was passed by the Senate by a vote of 39-0 on February 25. The bill was subsequently passed by the House on February 26 by a vote of 100-0. This legislation will replace the moratorium and require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using UAS. SB 1301 was passed by the House by a vote of 99-0 on February 25 with amendments. The Senate agreed to the House amendments on February 25 by a vote of 39-0. This legislation would make it a misdemeanor to operate, manufacture, sale, or distribute a UAS as a weapon or to deliver a weapon, and require any governmental agency or organization to gain the approval of the General Assembly or local governing body before procuring an unmanned aircraft system. The bill would also require a warrant for governmental use of such an aircraft. The bills are expected to be signed by Gov. McAuliffe in the coming week.

 

AUVSI continues to be actively engaged with our chapters, members and stakeholders to oppose anti-UAS legislation that has been introduced in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Washington. Additionally, we are working with legislators and staff to advance pro-industry bills in Maryland, Nevada and Rhode Island.