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CS/CS/SB 92 — Searches and Seizures
by Judiciary Committee; Criminal Justice Committee; and Senators Negron, Brandes, Evers, Bradley, and Benacquisto
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The bill creates the “Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act,” which prohibits law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather evidence or other information, unless:
- The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security determines that credible intelligence exists indicating a high risk of a terrorist attack by an individual or organization.
- The law enforcement agency first obtains a search warrant authorizing the use of a drone.
- The law enforcement agency has reasonable suspicion that swift action is necessary to prevent imminent danger to life, such as to facilitate the search for a missing person, to prevent serious damage to property, or to forestall the imminent escape of a suspect or the destruction of evidence.
Evidence gathered in violation of the bill is inadmissible in a criminal prosecution in any court of law in this state. Provisions are made for civil actions by an aggrieved party against a law enforcement agency that violates the prohibitions in the bill.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2013.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 117-0