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HF1275 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Use of unmanned aerial vehicles authorized for risk of fleeing suspect or actual fleeing suspect.

Related bill: SF1665

AI Generated Summary

This Minnesota House bill (H.F. No. 1275), authored by Representatives Tabke and Witte, proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 626.19, Subdivision 3, regarding the authorized use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by law enforcement. Specifically, it adds provisions allowing UAV use in situations where a suspect is at risk of fleeing or is actively fleeing.

The bill modifies existing law by explicitly permitting law enforcement agencies to deploy UAVs "in risk of or for purposes of the lawful pursuit of a fleeing suspect." This new provision is added to the list of authorized UAV uses, which already include scenarios such as emergency situations, public safety threats, counterterrorism efforts, disaster response, crash reconstruction, and law enforcement training.

If enacted, this bill would expand the legal use of drones by law enforcement, particularly in suspect pursuit situations, balancing operational needs with public safety considerations.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Use of UAVs in the risk and in pursuit of fleeing suspects."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill authorizes the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by law enforcement under specific circumstances in section 626.19 subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies and expands the authorized use of UAVs for specific public safety situations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "626.19",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]

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