House Bill Aims to Curb Unwarranted Drone Surveillance in SC

 

 

A bill introduced this week in the state House aims to limit use of unmanned aerial vehicles commonly known as drones.

Representative Dan Hamilton (R-Greenville) introduced the legislation saying it will protect “individual privacy against unwarranted government intrusion” and added that his bill “will protect the personal privacy of South Carolinians.”

“I believe the use of drones by police and other government agencies should be strictly controlled by state laws that protect the privacy and civil rights of all South Carolinians,” Hamilton said. “This legislation prohibits the use of drones by law enforcement unless a warrant has been issued, provides for public monitoring and accountability, requires policies and procedures be adopted by public bodies and mandates pictures of individuals acquired by drones be destroyed unless they are part of an authorized investigation,” he added.

Hamilton said that in recent years, drones have become less expensive and more accessible to law enforcement and government agencies and that as a result, privacy concerns and the need for public oversight of drone use needs to be established.

According to Hamilton, if enacted, the bill would:

• Establish usage regulations to prevent infringement of individual privacy and prohibits their use for mass surveillance or monitoring
• Restrict image retention unless there is reasonable suspicion that the images contain evidence of criminal activity or are relevant to an ongoing investigation
• Provide for public written policies and procedures for use of aerial surveillance
• Require public agencies to track the use and effectiveness of drone aircraft and report their numbers annually.

“As technology rapidly advances, our state needs to update our laws before the use of drones becomes widespread so we can protect the individual rights of our citizens. This legislation will help us do just that,” Hamilton concluded.

The full text of H. 3514 can be found at: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess120_2013-2014/bills/3514.htm

PHOTO CREDIT: United States Navy / Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain