Drone Restrictions Can Help Peaceful Protesters Combat Injustice

The Dakota Access Pipeline protests have made national news, as millions of Americans are concerned with potential property rights violations and environmental damage that may be caused by the controversial project.The location of the protest and a law passed by the North Dakota legislature last year has created the specter of police using weaponized drones…

Continue ReadingDrone Restrictions Can Help Peaceful Protesters Combat Injustice

Ohio City Considering Ordinance to Limit Drones; Would Help Hinder Federal Surveillance Program

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio (Oct. 24, 2016) – An Ohio town will consider regulations on drones that may include limits on law enforcement surveillance. The legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the local level, it would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, earlier this month, the…

Continue ReadingOhio City Considering Ordinance to Limit Drones; Would Help Hinder Federal Surveillance Program

Now In Effect: Sweeping Vermont Privacy Law Will Hinder Several Federal Surveillance Programs

MONTPELIER, Vt. (Oct. 1 2016) – A sweeping new law that establishes robust privacy protections in Vermont went into effect today. It not only limits warrantless surveillance and helps ensure electronic privacy in the Green Mountain State, it will also hinder several federal surveillance programs that rely on cooperation and data from state and local…

Continue ReadingNow In Effect: Sweeping Vermont Privacy Law Will Hinder Several Federal Surveillance Programs

Now In Effect: Sweeping Vermont Privacy Law Will Hinder Several Federal Surveillance Programs

MONTPELIER, Vt. (Oct. 1 2016) – A sweeping new law that establishes robust privacy protections in Vermont went into effect today. It not only limits warrantless surveillance and helps ensure electronic privacy in the Green Mountain State, it will also hinder several federal surveillance programs that rely on cooperation and data from state and local…

Continue ReadingNow In Effect: Sweeping Vermont Privacy Law Will Hinder Several Federal Surveillance Programs

New Hampshire Legislature Fails to Pass Bill Placing Limits on Drones

CONCORD, N.H. (July 6, 2016) – A bill that would have restricted the use of drones by state and local law enforcement died in the New Hampshire legislature after a conference committee failed to reconcile House and Senate versions. The legislation would not only have establish important privacy protections at the state level, they would…

Continue ReadingNew Hampshire Legislature Fails to Pass Bill Placing Limits on Drones

Signed By the Governor: Sweeping Vermont Privacy Law Will Hinder Several Federal Surveillance Programs

MONTPELIER, Vt. (June 10, 2016) – Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin has signed a sweeping bill that establishes robust privacy protections in the state into law. It not only limits warrantless surveillance and helps ensure electronic privacy in Vermont, it will also hinder several federal surveillance programs that rely on cooperation and data from state and local…

Continue ReadingSigned By the Governor: Sweeping Vermont Privacy Law Will Hinder Several Federal Surveillance Programs

California Assembly Passes Bill Taking on Drone Surveillance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 26, 2016) – On Monday, the California Assembly passed a bill that would restrict warrantless drone surveillance by state and local law enforcement. If ultimately signed into law, the legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the state level, it would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Assemblyman Bill…

Continue ReadingCalifornia Assembly Passes Bill Taking on Drone Surveillance

Georgia Gov. Deal Rejects Even Minimal Restrictions on Drone Surveillance

ATLANTA (May 17, 2016) – Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed a bill that would have placed minimal limitations on warrantless drone surveillance in the state. Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) and a bipartisan coalition of five cosponsors introduced House Bill 779 (HB779) in January. The legislation would have required a warrant before police could engage in…

Continue ReadingGeorgia Gov. Deal Rejects Even Minimal Restrictions on Drone Surveillance

Illinois Senate Rejects Bill Expanding Drone Surveillance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 11, 2016) – In a victory for privacy advocates, an Illinois bill that would have expanded drone surveillance in the state failed in the Senate. Sen. Antonio Munoz introduced Senate Bill 2588, (SB2588) in February. The legislation would have created another broad exception allowing warantless drone surveillance for “training purposes.” SB2588 passed…

Continue ReadingIllinois Senate Rejects Bill Expanding Drone Surveillance

To the Governor’s Desk: Sweeping Vermont Privacy Bill Passes; Would Hinder Several Federal Surveillance Programs

MONTPELIER, Vt. (May 10, 2016) – The Vermont legislature has passed a sweeping bill that would establish robust privacy protections in the state, If ultimately signed into law, it would not only limit warrantless surveillance and help ensure electronic privacy in Vermont, but would also hinder several federal surveillance programs that rely on cooperation and data…

Continue ReadingTo the Governor’s Desk: Sweeping Vermont Privacy Bill Passes; Would Hinder Several Federal Surveillance Programs