N.J. bill on regulating drones says the sky has limits
State lawmakers are rushing to restrict how police and firefighters may deploy aerial drones in New Jersey — even if so far no one is using them to track criminals or douse fires.
Supporters say legislation is necessary to strike a balance between legitimate public safety needs, from aiding a criminal investigation to scanning a forest fire, and privacy concerns, though some argue the bill already goes too far.
The bill,which already has been passed by the state Senate and has bipartisan backing, is scheduled to go before the full Assembly today. It would restrict how police, firefighters and other first responders can use unmanned aircraft, and it would include a ban on any drone outfitted with weapons, such as those employed by the federal government to target terrorists overseas.
The lawmakers’ effort comes as an increasing number of Americans express their sensitivity to how government is using technology. Citizens have learned more and more about the sweeping collection of personal information by federal officials in disclosures by former national security consultant Edward Snowden.
Currently, drones are primarily employed by the military, and the use of unmanned aircraft in the U.S. is tightly restricted. Waivers are needed if researchers or police require the help of a drone. (Reitmeyer/The Record)
Can i have a couple of drones please?