Steve Chapman's blog post on The Chicago Tribune's website talks about the recent passage of the surveillance drone regulation bill. The bill, which is currently awaiting the Governor's signature will place modest guidelines on the use of surveillance drones by law enforcement. Here's an excerpt:
Fortunately, both houses of the Illinois General Assembly have approved legislation to require police to obtain search warrants before using drones to conduct surveillance. If they have grounds to think someone is going to commit a crime, they'll have no trouble getting permission from a judge. If not, they'll have to use old-fashioned methods that are less intrusive. Exceptions would be made for emergencies like a terrorist attack or a prisoner escape. The legislation conforms to what was proposed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois. Gov. Quinn has not taken a position yet.
