Committee hears rival testimony on SB 238 drone changes; law enforcement backs broader use, ACLU warns of surveillance risk

Senate Bill 238, as amended (dash‑1), drew sharply contrasting testimony March 31 before the Senate Committee on Judiciary, with law‑enforcement representatives urging broader permission for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones) in routine police activities and civil‑liberties groups warning of privacy and constitutional risks.

The dash‑1 amendment permits law enforcement to operate a UAS in connection with lawful police activity and lists example uses; it also forbids certain operations, including flights over commercial property without owner consent and conspicuous posted notice, and generally prohibits UAS use for traffic enforcement except when actively pursuing a fleeing suspect, a staff summary said.

Police chiefs, sergeants and UAS program leaders testified in favor of the amendment as a practical update that would allow drones to assist in fires,…