FREEDOM FROM DRONE SURVEIL
The bill permits law enforcement agencies to use drones at special events to assess crowd size, public safety staffing, and participant safety. Additionally, it allows for drone deployment in response to dispatched calls aimed at finding or assisting victims. This could lead to more efficient emergency responses and improved safety measures during large events, while also specifying that information collected must adhere to the Freedom of Information Act, promoting transparency in operations.
House Bill 2951 amends the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act, particularly focusing on the permissibility of drone usage by law enforcement agencies. The bill redefines the term 'special event' and clarifies that 'information' collected does not include certain types of data gathered while drones are used over publicly owned property or private property with permission for non-law enforcement purposes. This change aims to enhance public safety by allowing law enforcement to monitor large gatherings effectively while balancing privacy concerns.
However, the bill has drawn attention due to the potential implications it has on privacy rights. While supporters argue that it enhances public safety, critics raise concerns about the overreach of surveillance capabilities by law enforcement, especially when drones are used in public spaces during protests or similar events. The balance between ensuring safety and protecting individuals' rights to privacy remains a point of contention in legislative discussions surrounding this bill.