Drone limits bill sent to Gov. Sandoval

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Senate gave final legislative action Tuesday to a bill designed to set limits on drones and protect privacy rights.

Assemblyman Elliot Anderson, D-Las Vegas, sponsored Assembly Bill 239, called the Homeowner Privacy Protection Act. Anderson said he worked on the bill for more than a year to try to balance uses of the new technology with personal privacy.

He said the bill provides clarity for businesses and allows law enforcement to use the technology.

“It provides clear rules and regulations for civil use and allows Nevada to continue to invest in economic development related to UAVs,” Anderson said.

Under the legislation, unmanned aerial vehicles flying below 250 feet can be in trespass. The bill requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before gathering evidence with a drone unless there is probable cause of a crime or in emergencies.

It also prohibits equipping drones with weapons and sets limits on how close they can fly to critical facilities and airports.

The bill won unanimous approval in both the Assembly and Senate and now goes to Gov. Brian Sandoval, who is expected to sign it.

“Nevada has crafted a well-balanced law, which can serve as a model for the entire country,” Anderson said Tuesday after the Senate gave its approval.

Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb