The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 626.19, subdivision 3, to expand the authorized uses of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by law enforcement agencies. The new provisions allow for UAV use not only during emergencies that pose a risk of death or bodily harm but also to prevent the imminent destruction of evidence. Additionally, law enforcement can now operate UAVs over private areas with the written consent of the occupant, and they are permitted to use UAVs to facilitate the search for missing persons.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that law enforcement may use UAVs for various purposes, including monitoring public events with heightened safety risks, countering potential terrorist threats based on credible intelligence, and conducting threat assessments for specific events. The amendments also maintain the ability for law enforcement to collect information related to criminal activity, crash reconstructions, and to assist government entities for non-law enforcement purposes, provided there is a written request specifying the reason and duration of use.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 626.19