Posted on December 13, 2014
HARTFORD- State Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell & Portland) voted in favor of legislative recommendations on Drone Use in Connecticut in the Legislative Program Review and Investigations committee.
“These committee recommendations show the vital need to balance the use of droves for the public good, such as in emergency situations or for the safety of our citizens versus the fundamental right of privacy,” said Rep. Carpino.
Carpino spoke publicly about the intrusion of privacy and potential for abuse. Carpino and other committee members were able to stop a proposed recommendation which would have permitted law enforcement and government drones the authority to surveil and target unpopular groups.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has delayed their proposed regulations until 2017. The FAA has had a problem with coming up with federal rules because they are not only trying to regulate air safety and space, but privacy rules for drones that fly with cameras.
The study by the Legislative Program Review and Investigations committee was prompted by legislation last session which 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.