Critics Say Law As Written Was Overkill

A bill that would have expanded the regulation of drones in the state of Utah has been grounded by the State Senate Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee.

The bill, SB111, would revise the state's drone laws to cover such crimes as stalking, spying, voyeurism and other invasions of privacy. It would also put more restrictions on data collection using drones by law enforcement and civilian operators.

The Deseret News reports that the bill's sponsor, Sen. Wayne Harper (R), said the legislation would update the state's existing laws to keep up with technology, and create one state-wide set of rules rather than allow a hodgepodge of local regulations.

But Connor Boyack of the Lehi-based Libertas Institute said that there are already laws that protect people's privacy. He said that the Institute's position is that the law "criminalizes all sorts of people who are harmlessly using their drone."

Bountiful, UT Police Chief Tom Ross said that he supported the legislation, saying it is vary balanced.

The competing concerns were enough to stall the bill in committee. It is unclear if it will be revised and brought up again.

(Image from file)

FMI: Bill Text