Joint Public Hearing re-tackles drones

Posted on February 26, 2015

Facebooktwittermail

HARTFORD — How can drone use be properly regulated for law enforcement use without intruding on privacy rights of individuals?

This is the question, Rep. Christie Carpino (R-32), and her colleagues discussed at a Program Review and Investigations Committee, Joint Public Hearing, Feb. 25, in the Legislative Office Building.

Rep. Carpino, Co-Chair of the Committee, said answering tough questions from advocates, residents, and law enforcement about drone use is a necessary step in helping protect the privacy of Connecticut residents.

At the Public Hearing, Committee members reiterated that they had no wish to hamper law enforcement efforts to protect their communities, but were concerned that police drone use could expand past their intended use and encroach on the privacy of residents.

Legislation discussed at the hearing included, SB 974, An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The PRI Committee Concerning The Use Of Drones By Law Enforcement Officers And Other State Employees.

This bill would establish standards, registration and reporting requirements for the use of drones by law enforcement officers and other state employees.

Also discussed was, Proposed Senate Bill 971, An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The PRI Committee Concerning The Criminal Use of Drones.

This bill would repeal subdivision (5) of section 15-34 of the general statutes and amend its definition of ‘aircraft’ by adding: Aircraft does not include unmanned aerial vehicles.

In October, the PRI Committee held a similar Public Hearing and heard from a panel of drone experts and the public on potential regulations. Rep. Carpino, fellow legislators and members of the PRI Committee also attended a drone demonstration on the Capitol green, to see a drone in action, and better understand drone capabilities.

Included in their findings, the Committee recommended prohibiting the weaponization  of drones, and recommended mandating that all government and municipal drones be registered through the Office of Policy and Management.

The commercial use of drones is currently banned by the FAA.

X