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11/24/2024 05:11:00 pm

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Gov. Jerry Brown Vetoes Drone Bill That Requires Warrant Before Use

California Governor Jerry Brown

(Photo : REUTERS/MARIO ANZUONI) California Governor Jerry Brown speaks at a news conference to announce the Public Employee Pension Reform Act of 2012 at Ronald Reagan State Building in Los Angeles, California August 28, 2012.

Democratic Governor Jerry Brown of California on Sunday has slammed the bill that will require law enforcement officials and agencies to secure warrants to use drones for surveys.

Brown said the bill has placed unnecessary limitations on police officers to use drones and said that the bill has went too far.

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He said there are other circumstances call for warrants, but imposing restrictions on drone usage is unsuitable.

The bill restricts officials and law enforcers from using drones unless they have a warrant. Brown said the bill even affects federal and state constitutional protections.

Also known as AB-1327 or unmanned aircraft systems, the drone bill would require officials obtain warrants from a judge whenever law enforcement agencies find the need to use surveillance drones in aid of their work.

An exemption only takes place when it involves environmental emergencies such as chemical or oil spills and in cases of hostages or fire.

Bill author, Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Ca.) expressed his disappointment when his proposal was vetoed. He said society feels drone usage have the negative potential to invade people's privacy.

He said that law enforcement's expanded use of drones may have pushed the public to defend their right to privacy.

The bill was criticized for the likelihood of violating inherent and inalienable rights of citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Also, the bill has proposed that any video or image captured by the drones should be deleted after a year, but a list of exempted cases was also given.

Supporters of the bill have also voiced their opinion and said that it will protect civil liberties and the right to privacy of California residents, and could help prevent warrantless surveillances.

The bill was also opposed by the law enforcement groups, the police chiefs and sheriff and also the Los Angeles District Attorney.

This is not the first time a bill regarding the use of drones has been passed in the United States as Virginia and Idaho residents have also raised the same concerns.

However, Brown's decision to side with officers and law enforcement agencies has put the interests of the state to protect its residents' privacy questionable.

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