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HR96119th Congress

Buzz Off Act

Sponsored By: Representative Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

Introduced

Summary

Limits federal UAV surveillance of specifically targeted U.S. persons and their private property. The bill would ban federal law enforcement from using FAA-registered drones to intentionally surveil, gather evidence about, or photographically or electronically record a specifically targeted United States citizen or that citizen's private property, while carving out three narrow exceptions.

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  • Federal law enforcement agencies: Would be barred from intentional, targeted drone surveillance of named U.S. persons or their private property unless a judge signs a search warrant authorizing the UAV.
  • Targeted individuals and property owners: Would allow a U.S. person to give written consent for a photograph or recording when the stated purpose is publication or public dissemination.
  • National security exception: Would let the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting with presidential authorization, certify in writing under oath that targeted UAV surveillance is necessary to counter a high-risk terrorist threat by a specified person or organization.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Limits federal drone surveillance of people

Federal law enforcement agencies would be prohibited from using drones to intentionally target and record a specific U.S. citizen. The ban would also cover that citizen's specifically targeted private property and apply to all FAA-registered drone operations. Exceptions would include written consent if the image or recording is to be published. A judge-signed search warrant could also authorize drone use. The President, through the Homeland Security Secretary, could authorize surveillance if the Secretary certifies under oath it is needed to stop a high-risk terrorist attack by a specific person or organization. If enacted, this would take effect upon enactment. The bill does not include funding, penalties, or a sunset.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

AZ • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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