Carpino, Legislators Study Drones in CT

HARTFORD- State Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell & Portland) along with other members of the Program Review and Investigations (PRI) committee are weighing public safety benefits against privacy rights on publicly and privately owned drones in Connecticut.

The Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee on Oct 8^th heard from a panel of experts as well as the members of the public on potential drone regulations. The legislative committee will present recommendations to the legislature in December.

“Drones equipped with cameras and other equipment can be used for the public good in helping emergency responders find fleeing criminals and injured victims, but they also can be used for nefarious purposes such as recording people without their knowledge and stalking,” said Rep. Carpino, ranking member of the PRI committee.

Carpino added, “We need to make sure the public’s right to privacy is protected from any unlawful searches.”

Carpino participated in a private drone demonstration outside in from of the State Capitol Wednesday afternoon.

Currently, states are limited in how they can regulate unmanned aircraft because the Federal Aviation Administration has jurisdiction over the national airspace. But the states can restrict how police and other government employees use drones. The FAA has banned commercial use of drones, with some exceptions, while it draws up new rules.

Connecticut lawmakers last year considered a bill that would have allowed police to operate drones for law enforcement purposes. The bill also would have required officers to get warrants to use drones, unless there was an emergency. The bill was passed as a study to be undertaken by the PRI committee.