Lawmakers around the country proposing legislation to restrict drone use
Activist Post
Many Americans are likely unaware of the fact that drones are already being used in the United States. Indeed, drones are used by the military, data from which is shared with law enforcement, by at least one National Guard unit and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is slated to join the club as well.
Now lawmakers across the United States are attempting to put limits on the use of drones domestically in an apparent attempt to push back against this sweeping trend.
One bill, HB 1616, introduced in Virginia by Del. C. Todd Gilbert, would provide “that no state agency or organization having jurisdiction over criminal law enforcement or regulatory violations, including but not limited to the Department of State Police nor any department of law enforcement of any city, county or town, shall procure a public unmanned aircraft system (drone aircraft) without the approval of the General Assembly or the local governing body, respectively.”
In North Dakota, Republican state Rep. Rick Becker has introduced legislation in an attempt to make sure drone use by police is not abused.
“It’s a new technology that has really amazing capabilities and can be used in excellent ways for our communities. I don’t want to say that drones can’t be used,” Becker said, according to the Washington Times. “But with the new technology there are also issues, primarily privacy issues, which can come into play.”
Unsurprisingly, the sheriff of the most populous county in North Dakota, Cass County, has already claimed that Becker’s proposal would set a dangerous precedent. MORE
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