NC H312

Prohibits law enforcement agencies and individuals from using drones to gather evidence or information about criminal conduct or statutory violations, with exceptions for searches under warrant, with consent, or in emergency situations requiring immediate action.

Allows drone searches under warrant only if the warrant specifically authorizes drone use and limits the search to the warrant's scope.

Permits emergency drone searches without a warrant when law enforcement has reasonable suspicion of imminent harm to life, property damage, suspect escape, or evidence destruction, requiring documentation and filing a sworn statement with the county clerk within 48 hours.

Requires drones to collect information only on the search subject and prohibits facial recognition or biometric matching technology on information about other individuals, homes, or areas.

Establishes penalties of Class 1 misdemeanor for willful violations and Class 3 misdemeanor for data retention violations; makes illegally obtained drone data inadmissible in any proceeding and requires destruction within 24 hours; mandates annual reporting to the General Assembly on drone search warrants issued.