OH SB251

Requires law enforcement to obtain a search warrant based on probable cause before using drones to gather evidence, except in emergency situations involving immediate danger of death or serious injury.

Permits warrantless emergency drone use only if a warrant cannot be obtained with due diligence; officers must file an application with the court within 48 hours or collected information becomes inadmissible.

Allows drone use without a warrant solely for crime scene documentation, traffic accident photography, and locating missing persons at risk of serious injury or death.

Requires law enforcement agencies to file annual reports with the attorney general detailing drone use numbers, types of incidents, criminal investigations aided, costs, and data collected about non-targets; all data must be deleted within 24-30 days unless relevant to ongoing investigations.

Makes evidence obtained in violation of these provisions inadmissible in criminal proceedings and allows injured persons to sue for compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees.