Louisiana House Bill HB635

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 3/30/16
• Engrossed: 4/11/16
• Refer: 4/12/16
• Report Pass: 5/24/16
• Enrolled: 6/3/16
• Chaptered: 6/17/16
• Passed: 6/17/16

Caption

Adds the use of unmanned aircraft systems as elements of certain crimes involving the invasion of privacy (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The enactment of HB 635 will create a more comprehensive legal framework addressing privacy violations through modern technologies. By explicitly including unmanned aircraft systems in voyeurism and privacy invasion laws, the bill establishes a clear legal basis for prosecuting individuals who might exploit drones to observe or record private activities without consent. This addition aims to bolster protections for citizens' privacy rights in an era where technological surveillance is increasingly prevalent and accessible.

Summary

House Bill 635 seeks to amend and expand existing laws regarding voyeurism and invasion of privacy by incorporating the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the definition of these crimes. Specifically, it revises statutes related to video voyeurism to include terms that encompass technologies such as drones, which can potentially be used to invade individuals' privacy without consent. The bill defines 'unmanned aircraft systems' for legal purposes and stipulates that using such devices for voyeuristic activities can lead to significant legal repercussions for offenders.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 635 appears to be supportive of improving privacy protections in response to evolving technology. Legislators and advocacy groups interested in privacy rights applauded the effort to address gaps in existing laws that failed to anticipate the rise of unmanned aircraft. However, some concerns were raised regarding the balance between ensuring privacy and potential overreach or misuse of broad surveillance laws. Advocates of civil liberties have called for careful consideration of how such laws could be implemented to prevent unjust profiling or harassment.

Contention

Despite its intentions, HB 635 is not without contention. Some critics argue that the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into voyeurism laws may lead to unintended consequences, such as over-regulation and the chilling of legitimate uses of drones for recreational or professional purposes. Advocates for more transparent regulation express the need for clear delineations in the law to protect against potential abuse. The ongoing discussions around the bill emphasize the tension between protecting individual privacy rights and allowing technological innovation to flourish.