MD HB471

State and local governments are prohibited from deploying or operating unmanned aircraft (drones) for surveillance, evidence collection, or any other purpose, with specific exceptions

Governments are also barred from using information acquired through unmanned aircraft operated by any entity, whether public or private

Permitted exceptions include: execution of 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

Evidence obtained through unauthorized drone use is inadmissible in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding

Effective date: October 1, 2026