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 may 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 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 within public view, or if it complies with state and federal law. This change removes the previous requirement that information could only be admissible if obtained under a search warrant.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.492B, 321.279