Iowa Senate Bill SF369

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

A bill for an act prohibiting the use of remotely piloted aircraft flying over certain property, and providing penalties.(See SF 520.)

Impact

The enactment of SF369 would modify existing state laws regarding privacy and property rights. By criminalizing the unauthorized use of RPAs over private properties, the bill seeks to enhance the protection of personal and agricultural spaces from intrusive surveillance. It provides a legal framework for property owners to seek injunctions to prevent what they might consider harassment via aerial surveillance, thus empowering individuals and farmers against unauthorized monitoring and intrusion. The clarity of the definitions within the bill regarding homesteads and secure farmstead areas is intended to reinforce these protections.

Summary

Senate File 369 is a legislative proposal aimed at prohibiting the use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) over specific properties, notably homesteads and secure farmstead areas where agricultural animals are kept. The bill introduces two related criminal offenses: intrusion and surveillance, which pertain to the unauthorized control of an RPA over these protected areas. Each offense is classified with corresponding penalties ranging from simple misdemeanors to aggravated misdemeanors based on the offender's prior convictions related to these crimes, thereby escalating the consequences for repeat offenses.

Contention

Despite its protective intentions, the bill has prompted discussions around privacy rights versus technological advancements. Critics might argue that such legislation could stifle the use of RPAs for legitimate purposes, such as agricultural monitoring or environmental assessments, particularly if the laws are perceived as overly restrictive. Supporters of the bill contend that the need for privacy and protection of personal space outweighs the potential benefits of unrestricted aerial access. The balance between allowing technological innovation and safeguarding personal freedoms is a significant point of contention among stakeholders.