Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes Law Enforcement to utilize drones for search warrants, crime scenes, and search and rescue missions in Oregon.

Highlights:

• Authorizes Law Enforcement to utilize drones for the following in Oregon, including (Sec. 1-2):

• Responding to any call for law enforcement services;

• Responding to a public safety emergency in which personal injury or damage to property could occur;

• Conducting search and rescue operations;

• Conducting training as provided in ORS 837.345;

• Obtaining information about a property when the property owner has consented. Executing a warrant;

• Responding to exigent circumstances that make it unreasonable for the law enforcement agency to obtain a warrant authorizing use of an unmanned aircraft system, if probable cause exists to believe that a person has committed a crime, is committing a crime or is about to commit a crime; or

• Operating an unmanned aircraft system as authorized by a warrant issued by a court.

• Authorizes law enforcement to operate an unmanned aircraft system not in connection with police activity only if all cameras on the unmanned aircraft system are (Sec. 1-2):

• Stowed; or

• Positioned to provide situational awareness for flight and used only for airspace deconfliction.

• Prohibits law enforcement from operating an unmanned aircraft system to conduct surveillance over the boundaries of commercial property unless the property owner has consented and the property owner has posted conspicuous notice that a law enforcement agency may be operating an unmanned aircraft system over the property (Sec. 1-2).

• Prohibits law enforcement from operating an unmanned aircraft system for purposes of traffic enforcement, except when the law enforcement agency is actively pursuing a fleeing suspect (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text