Bill would impose privacy restrictions on drones in Nevada

By Cy Ryan

Published Tuesday, March 24, 2015 | 8:35 a.m.

Updated Tuesday, March 24, 2015 | 3:23 p.m.

CARSON CITY — A bill to regulate the emerging drone industry and protect people’s privacy was endorsed today by law enforcement officials.

But at a meeting of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, those involved in the manufacture and development of the unmanned aerial vehicles said the bill would inhibit the growth of the industry in Nevada.

The bill by Assemblyman Elliot Anderson, D-Las Vegas, is aimed at preventing people from using drones to spy on their neighbors and to prevent stalking and trespassing.

“These are new rules for a new technology,” Anderson said.

The bill would not prevent police from employing drones for such things as pursuing criminal suspects or search and rescue operations.

E.K. McDaniel, deputy chief of the state Department of Corrections, recommended the bill include a section that would address the use of drones to fly over a prison or jail and drop guns, drugs or other contraband to inmates.

John Dunn of Drone America, based in Reno, said the tone of the bill “seems to be oriented more toward penalties for use rather than support for proper use.”