HB 1228

Abstract

Amends the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act. Defines "emotionally disturbed person" and "special event". Deletes "data" from the definition of "information". Provides that "information" does not mean information gathered under circumstances in which the drone is used over publicly owned property or private property with permission for the purpose of training peace officers, public relations, or conducting infrastructure inspections, or for other similar non-law enforcement purposes. Permits the use of a drone by a law enforcement agency if the law enforcement agency is assisting an emotionally disturbed person and is not also undertaking a criminal investigation. Permits the use of a drone by a law enforcement agency at a special event to prepare for or monitor crowd size, density, and movement; assess public safety staffing; or monitor the safety of the participants. Provides that, if the special event is occurring on private property, use of a drone shall be authorized by the owners or organizers prior to flight. Provides that a law enforcement agency may use a drone to respond to Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) dispatched calls for service, when the primary purpose for the response is to locate or assist victims, or both, identify offenders, or guide emergency response. Provides that information gathered by a drone is subject to the disclosure and exception to disclosure provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. Makes other changes. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt from disclosure information that is prohibited from disclosure under the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act.