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HF 561

Law enforcement use of unmanned aerial vehicles to find missing persons, persons fleeing arrest, and incarcerated persons authorized.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Duane Quam

authorizes law enforcement UAVs to locate missing persons, track fugitives, and monitor incarcerated individuals, with privacy, training, and accountability safeguards.

Motion to recall and re-refer, motion prevailed Public Safety Finance and Policy
#airportsandaircraft #lawenforcement #publicsafetydepartment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 561

Summary of HF 561 (2025-2026) – Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Purpose and Intent

HF 561 proposes to authorize and regulate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) by law enforcement in Minnesota. The bill aims to provide clear statutory authority for deploying UAVs to locate missing persons, apprehend or locate individuals fleeing arrest, and monitor or track incarcerated persons. The overarching goal is to enhance public safety and evidence gathering while setting standards for use, privacy, and accountability.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Authorized Uses

    • Law enforcement agencies would be permitted to deploy UAVs to:
    • Find missing persons (e.g., elderly, disabled, or endangered individuals).
    • Locate or track persons fleeing from arrest or involved in active crime.
    • Monitor or assist in the supervision or location of incarcerated individuals, potentially including those who have escaped or are under confinement-related risks.

  • Scope and Limitations (Procedural Controls)

    • The bill likely outlines when UAVs may be used (e.g., during search-and-rescue operations, high-risk fugitive cases) and may require officers to justify a UAV deployment based on proportionality, necessity, and safety considerations.
    • Possible requirements for warning notices, de-escalation priorities, and minimization of surveillance beyond the immediate investigation.

  • Technology and Data Handling

    • Provisions may address retention, use, sharing, and destruction of data collected via UAVs, aiming to protect privacy.
    • Potential rules on video and biometric data, with access limited to authorized personnel and non-public dissemination restrictions.

  • Training and Certification

    • The bill could establish or reference training standards for operators, including mission planning, safety, privacy protections, and maintenance of equipment.

  • Agency and Accountability Mechanisms

    • Requirements for agency policies, incident reporting, and possible supervisory review of UAV deployments.
    • Possibility of data collection or reporting obligations to support transparency (e.g., annual or periodic reports on UAV use).

  • Interagency and Jurisdictional Coordination

    • Provisions may authorize collaboration across local, state, and potentially tribal law enforcement when UAV operations cross jurisdictions or involve joint investigations.

Who and What Would Be Affected

  • Law Enforcement Agencies
    • State, county, and municipal police departments and sheriff’s offices that employ UAVs for enforcement and search operations.
  • Individuals and Communities
    • Persons missing or endangered, as well as individuals fleeing arrest or involved with incarcerated persons, who could benefit from expedited locating efforts.
    • Privacy-conscious residents who are concerned about surveillance intrusions, depending on privacy safeguards in the bill.
  • Judicial and Oversight Bodies
    • Agencies may face reporting and audit requirements, affecting transparency and oversight practices.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Committee Actions

    • The bill was introduced and referred to Transportation Finance and Policy on February 13, 2025.
    • A motion to recall and re-refer was approved on March 13, 2025, shifting consideration to Public Safety Finance and Policy.

  • Sponsor(s)

    • Primary sponsor with a listed co-sponsor: Duane Quam.

  • Next Steps (typical process)

    • If advanced, HF 561 would undergo hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the relevant committees, followed by floor debate in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and ultimately consideration by the Senate if it progresses.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated intent to regulate and authorize UAV use by law enforcement for specified high-priority missions while presumably embedding privacy, training, and accountability safeguards. For exact language, definitions, exceptions, and timeline specifics, refer to the printed bill text and any adopted amendments from the committee stages.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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