HB 207 Summary

• Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from operating drones to obtain evidence or information except in three circumstances: credible terrorist threat determinations by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, execution of a valid search warrant, or reasonable suspicion that swift action is needed to prevent imminent harm to life, serious property damage, or escape of a suspect or destruction of evidence.

• Information and evidence collected through drone operations that violate these restrictions cannot be used in any trial, hearing, or proceeding before any court, agency, or authority.

• Persons aggrieved by violations of drone restrictions may file civil actions for damages including attorney's fees against individuals, the state, or political subdivisions, with sovereign immunity waived for such violations.

• Drones are defined as unmanned aircraft that use aerodynamic forces for lift and can operate autonomously or be remotely piloted.

• Drones used by law enforcement are prohibited from being equipped with any weapons of any kind.