Drone surveillance bill signed by governor

The governor has given final approval to House Bill 3171, authored by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, which creates a misdemeanor offense for the unlawful use of drones.

Aimed at eliminating drone use to trespass or surveil private property without the owner’s permission, the new law defines an unlawful offense as drone usage with intent to eavesdrop or do surveillance; observe, photograph, record, amplify or broadcast sounds or events in a private place; intentionally observe another person in any place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy; or land a drone on the private property of another without the owner’s consent.

“As technology continues to evolve, it’s important that we ensure the laws on our books are applicable to these new forms of trespassing and criminal activity,” Bergstrom said. “No landowner should wonder if there’s a drone filming his or her every move, and this is certainly important to farmers and ranchers who work hard to feed our growing population, but are at an increased risk of activist organizations trying to implement unnecessary scrutiny on common agricultural practices.”

Rep. Logan Phillips, R-Mounds, is the principal author of the measure.

“Technology brings advancement, which we encourage more of and love to see, but it also brings with it concerns that the Legislature must address,” Phillips said. “This is a commonsense piece of legislation that protects all Oklahomans, and I’m proud to have authored it in the House.”

The new law will go into effect on Nov. 1.