VA HB1219

Requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services, in consultation with the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission and the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys, to establish a model policy for law-enforcement operation of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and make it available on the Department's website.

Expands the list of exceptions allowing warrantless drone use by law enforcement, adding situations such as training exercises, public relations demonstrations, and natural disaster damage assessment.

Permits drone deployment without a warrant when law enforcement reasonably believes swift action is needed to prevent imminent danger to life or serious property damage, or to prevent evidence destruction while a search warrant application is pending.

Allows warrantless drone use at barricade or hostage situations, crime scenes where a search warrant has been issued for the premises, and when observing combative individuals during a use of force or officer-involved shooting investigation.

Maintains existing warrantless drone exceptions including Amber Alerts, Senior Alerts, Blue Alerts, missing endangered persons searches, firefighting operations, and search and rescue missions.