Buzz Off Act This bill prohibits federal law enforcement from using unmanned aerial vehicles to intentionally conduct surveillance of a specifically targeted U.S. citizen or the property of such an individual, with certain exceptions. Specifically, this prohibition shall not apply if (1) the federal law enforcement agency in question first obtains a search warrant, (2) the Department of Homeland Security certifies that such surveillance is necessary to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specified person or organization, or (3) the citizen gives written consent.
Impact
The bill does provide exceptions under certain circumstances. It allows for drone surveillance if federal law enforcement obtains a search warrant or if there is explicit written consent from the citizen being surveilled. Additionally, surveillance may proceed if authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to address a high risk of terrorism. These provisions highlight a balance the bill seeks to achieve between security measures and citizen privacy rights, ensuring law enforcement cannot arbitrarily deploy drones for surveillance.
Summary
House Bill 84, also known as the Buzz Off Act, aims to restrict the ability of federal law enforcement agencies from utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, for the purpose of surveillance on U.S. citizens. The bill's core intention is to safeguard citizens' privacy rights by preventing targeted surveillance without legal due process. As outlined in the bill, federal agencies are prohibited from intentionally recording or gathering evidence on specific individuals or their private properties without proper authorization. This represents a significant step towards protecting civil liberties in the face of advancing surveillance technology.
Contention
Supporters of HB84 argue that the bill is essential for maintaining the right to privacy and preventing potential abuses of power through unwarranted surveillance. They assert that technological advancements in drone capabilities necessitate legislative action to protect citizens from possible overreach by government authorities. Conversely, some critics might argue that these restrictions could impede law enforcement's ability to act effectively against threats in a timely manner, particularly in matters related to national security. The ongoing debate around the use of drones in law enforcement is likely to intensify as such technologies become more integrated into public safety operations.
Buzz Off ActThis bill prohibits federal law enforcement from using unmanned aerial vehicles to intentionally conduct surveillance of a specifically targeted U.S. citizen or the property of such an individual, with certain exceptions.Specifically, this prohibition shall not apply if (1) the federal law enforcement agency in question first obtains a search warrant, (2) the Department of Homeland Security certifies that such surveillance is necessary to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specified person or organization, or (3) the citizen gives written consent for a photograph or recording that will be made available to the public.
Fourth Amendment Restoration Act This bill limits surveillance conducted for foreign intelligence purposes. Specifically, the bill repeals provisions authorizing without a court order various types of searches and surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes, including electronic surveillance and access to business records. An officer of the U.S. government must obtain a warrant for certain search and surveillance activities against a U.S. citizen, including (1) conducting electronic surveillance, (2) conducting physical searches of property under a U.S. citizen's exclusive control, or (3) targeting a U.S. citizen to acquire foreign intelligence information. The bill provides for criminal penalties for a person who knowingly violates these requirements or otherwise obtains such information under color of law without statutory authorization. Information about a U.S. citizen acquired under Executive Order 12333 (relating to intelligence gathering) or during surveillance of a non-U.S. citizen shall not be used against the U.S. citizen in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding or investigation.
Fourth Amendment Restoration ActThis bill repeals the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (which authorizes various types of searches and surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes) and limits surveillance of U.S. citizens.The bill requires that an officer of the U.S. government obtain a warrant for certain search and surveillance activities against a U.S. citizen, including (1) conducting electronic surveillance, (2) conducting physical searches of property under a U.S. citizen's exclusive control, or (3) targeting a U.S. citizen to acquire foreign intelligence information.The bill provides for criminal penalties for a person who intentionally (1) violates these requirements without statutory authorization, or (2) discloses or uses information that the person knows (or has a reason to know) was obtained under color of law by methods that violate these requirements. Information about a U.S. citizen acquired under Executive Order 12333 (relating to intelligence gathering) or during surveillance of a non-U.S. citizen shall not be used against the U.S. citizen in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding or investigation.
To ensure that West Virginia law enforcement entities are not compelled or commandeered by federal authorities to conduct activities that violate our citizens’ Constitutional rights
To ensure that West Virginia law enforcement entities are not compelled or commandeered by federal authorities to conduct activities that violate our citizens’ Constitutional rights