What's happening
This bill prohibits government use of drones for surveillance in criminal investigations without a warrant, with evidence obtained unlawfully deemed inadmissible.
Why it matters
Sets stricter boundaries on government surveillance by specifically targeting drone use. , meaning law enforcement and other agencies would need a court warrant before deploying drones in investigations or for regulatory enforcement, increasing judicial oversight.
Expands the definition of “unmanned aerial vehicle” to include both autonomous and remotely piloted aircraft. , closing potential loopholes as drone technology evolves and ensuring the law applies broadly.
Empowers individuals whose privacy is violated by unlawful drone surveillance. , making not only the evidence inadmissible in court but also allowing aggrieved persons to seek civil and equitable remedies, which could deter future misuse and provide recourse beyond criminal trials.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Limit Drone Surveillance Warrants
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
14 Co-sponsors
History
- Enacting clause stricken
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Limit Drone Surveillance
In Senate Committee · Codes · Sponsor Martin Malavé Dilan
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2557
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 20, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. SEPULVEDA, CRESPO, KIM, ARROYO, RIVERA, MOSLEY, WRIGHT, RAMOS, LIFTON, DINOWITZ, ENGLEBRIGHT, LENTOL, LOPEZ, McLAUGH- LIN, BENEDETTO, ABINANTI, GALEF -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. BRAUNSTEIN, FAHY, LUPINACCI, McDONOUGH, MONTESANO, MOYA, PERRY, RODRI- GUEZ -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to protecting against unwarranted surveillance
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The criminal procedure law is amended by adding a new section 700.16 to read as follows: § 700.16 Protection against unwarranted surveillance.
1. No person or entity acting under color of the authority of any state, county, municipal or local governmental entity or authority, or acting on behalf of any such entity or authority, shall use, operate, engage or employ an unmanned aerial vehicle as defined in this section to gather evidence or other information related to a criminal investigation, criminal case, or conduct in violation of regulation except when authorized under a warrant issued by a court of record or justified by lawful exception to the warrant requirement.
2. The term "unmanned aerial vehicle" means any powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator within or on the aircraft and is either autonomous or remotely piloted.
3. Any evidence or other information obtained in this manner in contravention of this section shall be deemed inadmissible in any criminal action against an injured person. Any person aggrieved by such an intrusion may seek civil and equitable relief for a violation of this section.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01379-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.