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HB 1219

Unmanned aircraft systems; use by law-enforcement officers, search warrants.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Glass and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill requiring law enforcement to obtain search warrants before deploying surveillance drones, balancing police capabilities with privacy protections.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0270)
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Bill Summary · HB 1219

Legislative bill overview

HB 1219 establishes legal requirements for law enforcement use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in Virginia, likely requiring search warrants or judicial approval before deployment. The bill addresses privacy concerns by creating procedural safeguards around drone surveillance activities conducted by police officers.

Why is this important

Drone technology has expanded law enforcement capabilities dramatically, enabling aerial surveillance that was previously impossible or cost-prohibitive. Without clear legal frameworks, this surveillance power can infringe on citizens' privacy rights, making statutory guardrails essential to balance public safety with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches.

Potential points of contention

  • Search warrant standards: Disagreement over what threshold of evidence should be required to obtain drone surveillance warrants—law enforcement may argue lower standards are necessary for investigations, while civil liberties advocates will push for stringent protections
  • Emergency exceptions: Whether exceptions for emergency situations (pursuits, missing persons, active threats) should exist and how broadly they're defined could significantly impact practical limitations
  • Scope of surveillance: Questions about whether restrictions apply only to targeted investigations or also to general aerial monitoring, and whether restrictions on data retention and sharing are included

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

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