HB1904 Summary

• Creates Chapter 19 of Arkansas Code Title 12 establishing the "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Act" to regulate law enforcement use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

• Requires all UAV use to comply with Federal Aviation Administration requirements and mandates local governing body approval before acquisition.

• Prohibits UAV operation and information disclosure except when: (1) the person consents, (2) responding to emergency situations involving death, serious injury, national security threats, or organized crime (with 48-hour warrant requirement), or (3) collecting information from nonpublic areas with valid search warrant.

• Mandates UAVs collect data only on intended targets, prohibits facial recognition on non-target data, deletes incidental data within 24 hours, and bans weapons equipment on UAVs.

• Requires law enforcement agencies using UAVs to file annual reports with Legislative Council by June 1 documenting usage frequency, crime investigation assistance, non-criminal uses, incidental data collection, and total program costs.