A state lawmaker is sponsoring a bill to prevent drone operators from snooping on unsuspecting residents.
District 15 Del. Aruna Miller, who represents a small section of Bethesda along with Potomac, Germantown and upcounty areas, introduced legislation meant to protect privacy as unmanned aircraft systems become cheaper and more readily available for the everyday consumer.
The bill would prohibit a person from using unmanned aircraft systems (commonly referred to as drones) to “intentionally conduct surveillance” of to gather information about individuals or property without permission.
Violating the law would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail or fine of up to $2,500. The House Judiciary Committee is set to take testimony on the proposal on March 17.
“While the emergence of this technology is exciting and holds great promise, it also raises significant concerns about its potential use for unauthorized surveillance on an individual’s privacy,” Miller said in a press release. “It’s my hope that with the commonsense measures provided in this bill, citizens will be able to enjoy the benefits that drone technology can provide with the peace of mind that their privacy is not being infringed upon.”
On Sunday, the Federal Aviation Administration revealed long-awaited proposed rules for drone operation that would allow for real estate agents, aerial photographers, police departments, farmers or anyone else who wants to fly drones to fly them for work purposes.
The rules, which won’t be finalized until at least 2017, could require operators to pass a written test and pay a few hundred dollars in fees.
Miller’s bill would not prohibit the use of drones by police if officers have a search warrant or by emergency services in the case of a fire or other emergency situation.
Last year, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service showed off three drone devices that cost less than 1,000 each and are less than two feet in diameter. They are operated by joystick or remote.
The MCFRS hoped to use the devices to broadcast aerial video to incident commanders, who could use the footage to judge heavy fire conditions or river current changes in the case of a water rescue.
The county has balked on writing up official rules for the drones, so the devices have remained grounded.
Via MCFRS
