Michigan Lawmakers Debate Use Of Pilotless Drones

LANSING (AP) - Some Michigan lawmakers say they want to limit law enforcement's use of unpiloted aerial drones in an effort to protect people's privacy.

Under a bill taken up Wednesday by the House Criminal Justice Committee, law enforcement would need a warrant or be able to prove imminent danger to be able to use a drone. Similar legislation is being considered in a number of other states.

The bill would also prohibit weapons on drones and require that data gathered in an unauthorized manner be destroyed immediately.

Robert Stevenson of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police says the bill would prevent drones from being used in situations like search and rescue missions, disaster response and department training.

The committee didn't vote on the bill.

(This is House Bill 4455).

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