The bill amends sections 4561.01 and 4561.11 of the Revised Code and enacts new sections 4561.60 to 4561.64, establishing regulations for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by law enforcement and expanding the definition of aviation facilities to include seaplane bases, heliports, vertiports, and spaceports. The amendments clarify the definitions of various aviation-related terms and require that all such facilities be approved by the Department of Transportation before commercial use. Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement agencies must obtain a search warrant to collect surveillance data using UAVs in situations where a warrant would otherwise be required for a physical search.

The new sections outline specific circumstances under which law enforcement can use UAVs without a warrant, such as border patrol, exigent circumstances, and during environmental disasters. The bill prohibits the use of armed UAVs and requires consent for surveillance of private individuals. It also mandates documentation and retention of flight and surveillance data relevant to ongoing investigations, ensuring that such data is accessible to individuals accused of crimes involving UAV surveillance. Overall, the legislation aims to balance law enforcement capabilities with privacy protections.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4561.01, 4561.11
As Reported By House Committee: 4561.01, 4561.11
As Passed By House: 4561.01, 4561.11