Bill Summary

by Metz Co Sponsors: Dudley, Harrell, McBurney, Rodrigues (R) CS Sponsors: Judiciary Committee, Civil Justice Subcommittee , Criminal Justice Subcommittee

Surveillance by a Drone: Prohibits person, state agency, or political subdivision from using drone to capture image of privately owned real property or of owner, tenant, occupant, invitee, or licensee of such property with intent to conduct surveillance without written consent if reasonable expectation of privacy exists; specifies when reasonable expectation of privacy may be presumed; authorizes use of drone by person or entity engaged in business or profession licensed by state in certain circumstances; provides exception; authorizes use of drone by employee or contractor of property appraiser for purpose of assessing property for ad valorem taxation; authorizes use of drone by certain utilities for specified purposes; provides for civil action for compensatory damages & injunctive relief for violations; provides for recovery of attorney fees & punitive damages; specifies that remedies provided are cumulative to other existing remedies. Effective Date: July 1, 2015

   H Criminal Justice Subcommittee
   H Civil Justice Subcommittee
   H Judiciary Committee