Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB06195

Introduced
1/20/17  
Introduced
1/20/17  
Refer
1/20/17  

Caption

An Act Concerning The Use Of An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6195 will have significant implications for state laws regulating privacy and public safety. It clarifies that invading a person's privacy through UAVs classifies as a tort, enhancing legal protections for individuals against unauthorized surveillance. Furthermore, the bill places strict limits on law enforcement's use of drones, stipulating retention and destruction policies for information gathered through drone surveillance, thus reinforcing the safeguards surrounding personal data and privacy.

Summary

House Bill 6195 seeks to amend existing state laws concerning the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones. The bill aims to clarify the application of all current criminal and tort laws to actions relating to UAVs, thus incorporating them into the legal framework governing unlawful uses of technology. Notably, the bill establishes specific prohibitions against weaponizing drones and incorporates new stipulations regarding privacy and surveillance when UAVs are used to collect imagery.

Contention

The bill also explicitly prohibits municipalities and state agencies from enacting their own regulations concerning UAVs, thereby centralizing regulation at the federal level. This has raised points of contention among local governments, which may feel that such a restriction undermines their ability to address specific local issues related to UAV use. Critics argue that this could lead to a lack of adequate local oversight and regulation, particularly in urban areas where UAV usage might be more prevalent and intrusive.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00231

An Act Establishing A Grant Program To Provide Unmanned Aerial Vehicles To Law Enforcement Units And Fire Departments.

CT SB00003

An Act Concerning Consumer Protection.

CT SB00183

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Motor Vehicles And Concerning Low-speed Vehicles, The Towing Of Occupied Vehicles, School Buses, Electric Commercial Vehicles, The Passenger Registration Of Pick-up Trucks And Removable Windshield Placards For Persons Who Are Blind And Persons With Disabilities.

CT HB05330

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Transportation And Concerning Capital Projects, Notice Of Proposed Fair And Service Changes, The Connecticut Airport Authority, Automated Traffic Safety Enforcement, Road Safety Audits, Parking Authorities, A Shore Line East Report And The Submission Of Reports And Test Results Regarding Impaired Driving.

CT HB05413

An Act Concerning The Illegal Use Of Certain Vehicles And Street Takeovers.

CT SB00337

An Act Concerning Street Takeovers And The Illegal Use Of Certain Vehicles.

CT HB05204

An Act Concerning The Operation Of Low-speed Vehicles.

CT SB00184

An Act Concerning The Renting Or Leasing Of Passenger Motor Vehicles.

CT HB05172

An Act Concerning The Assessment Of Motor Vehicles For Property Taxation.

CT SB00001

An Act Concerning The Health And Safety Of Connecticut Residents.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.