Exceptions for U.S. Border Patrol.
There's been a lot of talk about the Obama administration's use of drones on American citizens, now a Texas lawmaker has introduced legislation to make it illegal in the Lone Star Sate.
“You need to make sure you're not capturing images or videotaping anyone enjoying their private property, whether it's a big piece of land or a small home without their permission,” State Rep. Lance Gooden tells KTRH News. “It also says that law enforcement, if they're going to use drones, they need a search warrant.”
If passed, HB 912 says violators would be slapped with a misdemeanor and fines starting at $1,000. Gooden says Texans also would be able to take measures into their own hands if need be.
“Currently, if you shoot down a drone then you're damaging someone's property,” he says. “But if that drone is trespassing after this bill is passed, then it seems like you would be well within your right to shoot it down, and I certainly don't have a problem with that.”
Gooden says the only exceptions would be for U.S. Border Patrol along the Texas-Mexico border, but he first wants to hear what ranchers have to say about a possible 25 mile buffer zone.
