Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by law enforcement officers
Sponsored by Sen. Charlie McClintock (R)
Topics:Crime & correctionsPublic safety & emergencies
Same legislation: SF 2283
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 26, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 26, 2026
- Done: Senate committeeFebruary 11, 2026
- Skipped: Passes the SenateContinued as SF 2283
- Next: House committee
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became SF 2283 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to SF 2283 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Police officers can use drones to help catch drivers who are running away from patrol cars. Officers may also use these drones to write tickets for any traffic violations the driver commits during the chase. Any video or information the drone captures can be used as evidence in court as long as the drone is flying in public airspace.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by law enforcement officers. The bill provides that a certified law enforcement officer may operate an unmanned aerial vehicle in order to assist other law enforcement officers in apprehending a driver eluding or attempting to elude a pursuing law enforcement vehicle, and may cite the driver for any traffic violations committed during the pursuit. The bill provides that information obtained as a result of the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle is admissible as evidence in a criminal or civil proceeding when the information obtained is from a location that is viewable from the public navigable airspace or is within public view, or if the information is otherwise obtained in a manner that is consistent with state and federal law.
Why it matters. Certified law enforcement officers may use drones to help catch drivers who are fleeing from police vehicles. Officers can also use these drones to issue citations for traffic violations committed during a pursuit, and any information gathered from public airspace or view can be used as evidence in court.2
Senate subcommittee
Named January 26, 2026. On January 28, 2026 it recommended amendment and passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
3 for · 1 against · 7 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly
Similar bills
- HF 2295 Relating to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by law enforcement officers91st General Assembly · Approved by committeeNearly identical
Matched by wording or an identical title.