SENATE VOTES TO PROTECT CITIZENS FROM DRONE SURVEILLANCE

Requires warrant for drone use in Maine

AUGUSTA—Earlier today in a 23-12 vote, the Senate passed a measure to protect privacy in drone surveillance by requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant.

“Big Brother is no longer the stuff of science fiction,” said Senator John Patrick of Oxford, the sponsor of the bill. “Americans should not be forced to live under the constant watchful eye of drones hovering around us and sending footage of our daily goings-on back to police headquarters.”

The bill requires a warrant, consent, or an emergency situation for law enforcement to use surveillance drones. The bill also provides a cause of action for individuals who believe their privacy was violated through drone use.

Congress has passed legislation requiring the Federal Aviation Administration to make room for domestic drones in U.S. airspace by 2015, and the FAA estimates as many as 10,000 drones could take to U.S. skies by 2020.

During floor debate, Senator Patrick offered an amendment to the bill implementing a two-year moratorium on drone use in Maine.

“As with all new technology, until we put proper protections in place, we are all vulnerable to overuse and abuse,” said Senator Patrick. “I hope this legislation will be the beginning of a much-needed conversation about bringing our privacy laws up to date and protecting both safety and privacy in Maine.”

The bill, LD 236, “An Act to Protect the Privacy of Citizens from Domestic Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Use,” faces further votes in the House and the Senate.