INDIANA—The Indiana State General Assembly is considering a bill to ban the use of drones without the consent of those being monitored.
The synopsis of Senate Bill No. 20 concerning the use of unmanned aerial vehicles reads:
Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally uses an unmanned aerial vehicle to monitor a person, property, or thing without the written consent of the subject of the monitoring commits a Class D felony. Provides that images or communications obtained through the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle are not admissible as evidence. Provides that a person who possesses an image or communications obtained through the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle commits a Class A misdemeanor. Prohibits the use of public money to purchase an unmanned aerial vehicle.
The bill would take effect July 1, 2013
Indiana lawmaker—Senator Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville)—submitted the bill placing limits on drones. In an interview with onpolitix, he said, “That you [sic] couldn’t be videotaping you, your property, or your things without your written permission.”
He, also, cited the possibility of a crash by a drone.
Rep. Clyde Kersey (D-Terre Haute.) disagrees with the Senator. He believes the legislation is misguided because drones are safe. “They’re like an airplane and they’re crash record is pretty good compared to aircraft, so I don’t see a problem with that at all,” he said