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AI Summary
The Drones as First Responders Act amends Illinois law to allow specific law enforcement drone uses, prohibiting weapons and facial recognition.
Business Impact
If you operate drones for law enforcement, comply with new usage and reporting rules immediately or face operational restrictions.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
The Drones as First Responders Act modifies Illinois' drone laws, defining terms like 'parade' and 'special event' and expanding drone use for law enforcement. It bans weapons and facial recognition on drones and updates data retention and reporting requirements.
Key Provisions
- Defines 'parade', 'routed event', and 'special event' (Sec. 5)
- Authorizes drone use for specified law enforcement purposes (Sec. 15)
- Prohibits weapons and facial recognition technology on drones (Sec. 17, 18)
- Changes retention and disclosure requirements for drone data (Sec. 20, 25)
- Modifies annual reporting requirements (Sec. 35)
- Adds enforcement provisions (Sec. 45)
Latest Legislative Action
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0101
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 51)
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Adriane Johnson D | Sponsor | SD-030 |
| Amy Grant R | Sponsor | HD-047 |
| Anthony DeLuca D | Sponsor | HD-080 |
| Barbara Hernandez D | Sponsor | HD-050 |
| Bob Morgan D | Sponsor | HD-058 |
Roll Call Votes
H ·
Concurrence in House ·
May 25, 2023
84 Yea
7 Nay
16 Other
Passed ✓
S ·
Third Reading: in Senate ·
May 24, 2023
56 Yea
1 Nay
2 Other
Passed ✓
H ·
Third Reading: in House ·
Mar 22, 2023
112 Yea
0 Nay
3 Other
Passed ✓
Amendments (1)
Senate Amendment 001
Pending
2023-05-24
Compliance Checklist
Adapt drone operations to comply with new data retention rules.
Who: Law enforcement agencies using drones.
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment.
Penalty: Potential penalties for non-compliance.
Who: Law enforcement agencies using drones.
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment.
Penalty: Potential penalties for non-compliance.
Ensure no facial recognition technology is used with drones.
Who: Law enforcement agencies operating drones.
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment.
Penalty: Potential penalties for non-compliance.
Who: Law enforcement agencies operating drones.
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment.
Penalty: Potential penalties for non-compliance.
Full Legal Analysis
The Drones as First Responders Act, effective immediately, amends the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act in Illinois. It introduces definitions for 'parade', 'routed event', and 'special event', specifying conditions under which drones can be used by law enforcement. The Act prohibits equipping drones with weapons or using facial recognition technology, except under narrowly defined circumstances involving terrorism or imminent harm. Data gathered by drones must be destroyed within specified timeframes unless retained for specific reasons such as evidence of criminal activity or training purposes. The Act also mandates annual reporting by law enforcement agencies on drone usage and requires public availability of drone policies. Enforcement provisions include potential suspension of drone use for agencies found in violation.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View HB3902 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
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