MD HB954

State and local governments are prohibited from deploying or operating unmanned aircraft (drones) for surveillance, evidence collection, or any other purpose, and from using drone-collected information from any public or private entity

Evidence obtained through drone use in violation of these restrictions is inadmissible in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding

Permitted exceptions include: operating with a valid search warrant, executing an arrest warrant, fresh pursuit of a suspect, active search and rescue operations, locating escaped prisoners, preventing imminent serious bodily harm, or countering terrorist threats identified by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security

Effective date: October 1, 2025