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 during emergencies that pose a risk of death or bodily harm, to prevent imminent destruction of evidence, and to facilitate the search for missing persons. Additionally, law enforcement can now operate UAVs over private areas with the written consent of the occupant, and for purposes unrelated to law enforcement at the request of a government entity, provided that the request is made in writing and specifies the reason and duration of use.

The bill retains existing authorized uses, such as monitoring public events with heightened safety risks, countering terrorist threats based on credible intelligence, and conducting threat assessments. It also allows UAVs to be used for collecting information related to criminal activity, crash reconstruction, and disaster response efforts. The amendments aim to enhance public safety while ensuring that law enforcement has the necessary tools to respond effectively to various situations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 626.19