This bill amends existing laws regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by law enforcement officers in Iowa. It prohibits the state or its political subdivisions from using UAVs for traffic law enforcement, except in specific circumstances. A certified law enforcement officer is allowed to operate a UAV to assist in apprehending drivers who are eluding or attempting to elude a pursuing vehicle, and they may issue citations for any traffic violations committed during such pursuits.

Additionally, the bill modifies the admissibility of information obtained through UAVs in legal proceedings. It states that such information is admissible as evidence in criminal or civil cases if it is obtained from locations that are viewable from public navigable airspace or are within public view, or if it is obtained in compliance with state and federal law. This change aims to clarify the conditions under which UAV-collected evidence can be used in court.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.492B, 321.279