Private property regulatory TREND. COVID + Drones

Where are drones being used as a method to combat the pandemic?

• France, Italy & China use drones to monitor public places
• Chula Vista, California is using drones to communicate with people who live in remote areas
• Police in Derbyshire, U.K. has used drones to take photos of people engaged in nonessential activities like at the beauty shop

How are state legislative acts matching drone use for pandemics?

• Drones will require warrants, without an exception for pandemics in Minnesota SF 3704 (2020 | MN)
• Tennessee’s SB 1791 (2020 | TN) allows drone use by law enforcement without a search warrant to investigate the scene of a crime or to “enhance security” of public events attended by more than 100 persons. Video of public events must be posted online within 1 day.
• New Jersey Assembly bill A2301 (2020 | NJ)  prohibits law enforcement from using drones for surveillance
• South Dakota bill, HB1059 (2020 | SD), signed by the governor, makes it a misdemeanor to use a drone “to kill or attempt to kill a wild bird or animal,” or to use one to locate, spot or drive prey.

Governing | Legislative Watch: The Rise of Drones During the Pandemic