SF 276 (LSB 2214XS (4) 85)

SENATE FILE 276

BY  SORENSON, BERTRAND, GUTH, ZAUN, GREINER, and BOETTGER

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft system by a state or local law enforcement agency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  80C.1  Use of unmanned aircraft system —— prohibition.
   1.  A state agency or an agency of a political subdivision of the state having jurisdiction over criminal law enforcement shall not utilize an unmanned aircraft system prior to July 1, 2015.
   2.  Notwithstanding subsection 1, an unmanned aircraft system may be deployed prior to July 1, 2015, under the following circumstances:
   a.  During the occurrence of a disaster as defined in section 29C.2.
   b.  When an amber alert has been issued.
   c.  During a search and rescue operation if deployment is necessary to protect life, health, or property.
   3.  Under no circumstances shall a weaponized unmanned aircraft system be deployed by or its use facilitated by an agency of the state or an agency of a political subdivision of the state with jurisdiction over criminal law enforcement.
EXPLANATION
   This bill relates to the use of an unmanned aircraft system, also known as a drone, by a state or local law enforcement agency. 
   The bill prohibits a state or local law enforcement agency from using a drone prior to July 1, 2015. 
   The bill does permit the use of a drone by a state or local law enforcement agency prior to July 1, 2015, under the following circumstances: during the occurrence of a disaster as defined in Code section 29C.2; when an amber alert has been issued; and during a search and rescue operation.
   The bill prohibits a state or local law enforcement agency from using or facilitating the use of a weaponized drone under any circumstances.