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 permitted to operate a UAV to assist in apprehending a driver who is eluding a pursuing vehicle and can issue citations for any traffic violations committed during the pursuit.

Additionally, the bill modifies the admissibility of information obtained through UAVs in legal proceedings. It removes the previous restriction that such information was not admissible unless obtained via a search warrant. Instead, it allows for the admissibility of UAV-collected evidence if it is obtained from locations viewable from public navigable airspace or within public view, or if it complies with state and federal law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.492B, 321.279