Carpino Co-Sponsors Drone Use Parameters

Hartford – State Representative Christie Carpino (Cromwell/Portland) co-sponsored a bill regulating the use of drones, H.B 5274 An Act Concerning the Use of Drones. Carpino worked with a variety of stakeholders over 2 years in drafting the legislation that originated in the Program Review and Investigations Committee, which she chairs.

“Too often technology advances quicker than the law. My priority from the start was to ensure personal privacy rights of individuals were protected without restricting public safety. This law does both,” said Carpino. The law requires the police to obtain a warrant unless certain narrow exceptions are met.

“If we have a missing child or a dangerous situation that poses an imminent threat to our citizens, law enforcement can and should utilize the most advanced technology available. The careful balance in HB 5274 makes sure police are not hindered in their efforts and permits drone use in these life threatening situations.”

The other major component of the bill prohibits weaponized drones by creating a new crime, making it a class C felony, to operate a drone equipped with tear gas or a similar deleterious agent, a deadly weapon, explosives, or an incendiary device. The bill also protects victim of voyeurism by including provisions related to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles out of plain view. Further, it prohibits the landing and taking off the grounds of a correctional facility.

The House approved the bill by a vote of 131-14. It now goes to the Senate for further action.

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