Unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, are aircraft that can be flown remotely. They can go places that planes and helicopters can’t and are able to gather valuable information without endangering human lives.
Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration is working on rules to safely integrate drones into U.S. airspace. Insurance companies, agribusiness, news agencies, law enforcement and others look forward to using drones as a valuable tool in their work.
However, drone technology with sight and sound-recording ability is causing concerns among citizens about potential misuse and an invasion of privacy. Will some unscrupulous individuals use small, quiet drones to spy on others? To address these concerns, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to amend and pass legislation recently approved by the Iowa House.
House File 2289 will ensure that if someone uses a drone to trespass on another’s privacy in his or her home, the drone user can be charged with criminal trespass. In addition, law enforcement must obtain a warrant to use information in court that was gathered through use of a drone.
This legislation will not interfere with hobbyists who enjoy model planes or any legitimate business use.