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2015 SESSION

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HB 2125 Use of unmanned aircraft systems; search warrant required.

Introduced by: Benjamin L. Cline | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Use of unmanned aircraft systems by public bodies; search warrant required. Replaces the moratorium currently set to expire on July 1, 2015, on the use of unmanned aircraft systems by state and local law-enforcement and regulatory entities, except in defined emergency situations or in training exercises related to such situations, with an absolute prohibition on the use of unmanned aircraft systems by such law-enforcement and regulatory entities unless a search warrant has been obtained prior to such use. The warrant requirement does not apply to (i) utilization of such systems to support the Commonwealth for purposes other than law enforcement; (ii) certain search and rescue operations; (iii) certain Virginia National Guard and United States Armed Forces functions; (iv) research and development conducted by institutions of higher education or other research organizations; or (v) the use of unmanned aircraft systems for private, commercial, or recreational use.

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Use of unmanned aircraft systems by public bodies; search warrant required. Replaces the moratorium on the use of unmanned aircraft systems by state and local law enforcement and regulatory entities, except in defined emergency situations or in training exercises related to such situations, that will expire on July 1, 2015, with an absolute prohibition on the use of unmanned aircraft systems by such law enforcement and regulatory entities unless a search warrant has been obtained prior to such use. The warrant requirement does not apply to certain search and rescue operations, certain Virginia National Guard functions, research and development conducted by institutions of higher education or other research organizations, or the use of unmanned aircraft systems for private, commercial, or recreational use. This bill incorporates HB 2077.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Use of unmanned aircraft systems; search warrant required. Replaces the moratorium on the use of unmanned aircraft systems by state and local law enforcement and regulatory entities, except in defined emergency situations or in training exercises related to such situations, that will expire on July 1, 2015, with an absolute prohibition on the use of unmanned aircraft systems by such law enforcement and regulatory entities unless a search warrant has been obtained prior to such use. The warrant requirement does not apply to certain search and rescue operations, certain Virginia National Guard functions, or research and development conducted by institutions of higher education or other research organizations.