SF625

Senate Bill SF No 625, sponsored by Senators Howe, Oumou Verbeten, and Draheim, aims to expand the authorized uses of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by law enforcement in Minnesota. Under existing laws, the updated statute would allow law enforcement to use drones in a variety of specific scenarios:

1. During emergencies where there's a risk of death or serious bodily harm.
2. To search for missing individuals, including children and vulnerable adults, providing broader aerial coverage.
3. Over public events that have a high risk to the safety of participants or bystanders.
4. To counter potential terrorist threats based on credible intelligence.
5. In natural or manmade disasters to save lives and property, and to support rescue and recovery efforts.
6. For threat assessments before specific events to anticipate risks.
7. To surveil public areas if there's reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
8. To locate individuals fleeing from law enforcement or escaping incarceration.
9. To gather data for analyzing traffic accidents that involve serious injuries or deaths.
10. For training and public relations activities.
11. For non-law enforcement purposes at the request of other government entities, provided they submit a written request indicating the reasons and duration for UAV use.

This bill has been referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committee for further consideration.