Lawmakers around the country proposing legislation to restrict drone useMadison Ruppert, Contributor Now lawmakers across the United States are attempting to put limits on the use of drones domestically in an apparent attempt to push back against this sweeping trend. One bill, HB 1616, introduced in Virginia by Del. C. Todd Gilbert, would provide that no state agency or organization having jurisdiction over criminal law enforcement or regulatory violations, including but not limited to the Department of State Police nor any department of law enforcement of any city, county or town, shall procure a public unmanned aircraft system (drone aircraft) without the approval of the General Assembly or the local governing body, respectively. In North Dakota, Republican state Rep. Rick Becker has introduced legislation in an attempt to make sure drone use by police is not abused. Its a new technology that has really amazing capabilities and can be used in excellent ways for our communities. I dont want to say that drones cant be used, Becker said, according to the Washington Times. But with the new technology there are also issues, primarily privacy issues, which can come into play. Unsurprisingly, the sheriff of the most populous county in North Dakota, Cass County, has already claimed that Beckers proposal would set a dangerous precedent. Its no different than a routine patrol when we drive by in a squad car on the road and look down the driveway. We are just doing it from a higher level, Laney claimed. Apparently Laney is opposed to the fact that Beckers legislation would require law enforcement to actually obtain a warrant when using a drone as part of a criminal investigation. However, the need for probable cause warrants is increasingly diminishing with dangerous rulings like that which determined that hidden surveillance cameras can be placed on private property without a warrant. State Rep. Ed Gruchalla of North Dakota has voiced opposition to Beckers idea claiming that it will blow over, according to the Associated Press, and is similar to complaints about cameras in squad cars. Gruchallas assertion is patently absurd given the fact that cameras in squad cars can actually protect citizens and hold police accountable for breaking the law, whereas drone-based surveillance offers no such benefits. In Florida, state Senator Joe Negron filed SB 92, the Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act which would prohibit the use of domestic drones over the Sunshine State, according to the Tenth Amendment Center. The legislation would, however, allow the use of drones to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specific individual or organization if the United States Secretary of Homeland Security determines that credible intelligence indicates that there is such a risk. In Missouri, state Rep. Casey Guernsey has proposed legislation that would require law enforcement officers get a warrant before using a drone in Missouri, according to the Associated Press. It also would prohibit the use of drones by people, organizations or government agencies for the surveillance of farms. In New Jersey, a bill was introduced by Assemblyman Bob Shroeder in June of 2012 that would regulate the use of drones. While they may be useful in fighting crime or keeping watch over our water supplies, giving government and private agencies carte blanche can be dangerous, said Shroeder, according to a press release. The last thing we need is Big Brother literally peering into our living room windows. Similar legislation is expected to be proposed in other states as well during this legislative session including California, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon and Michigan according to the Washington Post. State Senator Jim Tomes of Indiana is considering putting limits on the private use of drones over privacy concerns, according to WISH, while it is unclear if Tomes believes law enforcement and other government entities should be subject to similar restrictions. There have also been attempts at the federal level including one piece of legislation introduced by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky which would ban domestic governmental drone use except in patrolling the border or in high-risk security situations, according to Eli Richman of Governing.com. Also at the federal level, Rep. Ed Markey of Massachusetts has introduced a bill which would amend the Federal Aviation and Administration Modernization and Reform Act to provide guidance and limitations on non-military drone use in the United States. It would ensure that the FAA cannot issue a license to a drone operator unless they describe what kind of data the drone will collect, how that data will be used and how long it will be stored, among other information, in their license application, according to the Hill. Did I forget anything or miss any errors? Would you like to make me aware of a story or subject to cover? Or perhaps you want to bring your writing to a wider audience? Feel free to contact me at admin@EndtheLie.com with your concerns, tips, questions, original writings, insults or just about anything that may strike your fancy. Please support our work and help us start to pay contributors by doing your shopping through our Amazon link or check out some must-have products at our store. This article first appeared at End the Lie. Madison Ruppert is the Editor and Owner-Operator of the alternative news and analysis databaseEnd The Lie and has no affiliation with any NGO, political party, economic school, or other organization/cause. He is available for podcast and radio interviews. Madison also now has his own radio show on UCYTV Monday nights 7 PM 9 PM PT/10 PM 12 AM ET. Show page link here: http://UCY.TV/EndtheLie. If you have questions, comments, or corrections feel free to contact him at admin@EndtheLie.com 