Bill

HB 912

83(R) - 2013
Criminal Justice

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Negative

Author(s)

Lance Gooden

Bill Caption

Relating to images captured by unmanned vehicles and aircraft.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication is anticipated on the State or local governments.

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 912 would create a Class C misdemeanor for using an unmanned vehicle to capture an image or video of an individual or property without consent. Additionally, this bill would create a Class C misdemeanor for possession of images or videos taken without consent using an unmanned vehicle and a Class B misdemeanor for each separate use of those images or videos. Finally, this bill would create civil recourse for the individual or property owner.

Analysis: HB 912 promotes limited government by attempting to prohibit drones from spying on individuals. This bill also promotes property rights by enhancing the ability of an individual to refuse their property being monitored by a drone. However, this bill could inhibit individual liberty because it may be interpreted broadly in a way that leads to people being charged and prosecuted for innocent behavior.  We remain neutral on HB 912.