SF 685 Summary

• Governmental entities must obtain a search warrant to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), except in emergencies or with court orders based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.

• Emergency UAV operations without a warrant are permitted when there is imminent threat to life or safety, but must be documented and reported to district court within 48 hours.

• Court orders for UAV surveillance of public areas are limited to 48 hours initially, with extensions up to 30 days maximum, and require specific articulable facts of criminal activity and demonstration that alternative methods are cost-prohibitive or unsafe.

• UAV operations are restricted to clearly defined targets, with incidentally collected data on individuals or areas other than the target deleted within 24 hours; facial recognition and weapons are prohibited.

• Subjects of UAV surveillance must be notified within 3 days of surveillance completion, with possible court-ordered delays up to 10 days; violations are inadmissible as evidence and subject to civil liability.