Bill that prevents spying by drone signed into law in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed legislation to prevent spying by drones and protect public privacy.

The bill increases the criminal penalties for using unmanned aircraft, also called drones, to conduct surveillance of or to spy on someone in a private place.

Intentionally or knowingly conducting surveillance or placing another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury is a summary offense. Using a drone to deliver, provide, transmit or furnish contraband to a person in prison or a mental hospital becomes a second-degree felony.

The law makes exceptions for law enforcement, first responders and utility company employees and some government employees.

“Although drones have proven to have some valuable uses, these devices should not be used to invade someone’s privacy, and our state laws hadn’t been updated to reflect this type of technological advancement,” Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-Armstrong/Butler/Indiana), who sponsored the bill, said. “With my legislation, law enforcement will have the proper tool in order to prosecute someone who willingly uses drones to spy on people. I thank my colleagues for recognizing the importance of having something on the books to better protect people and their property rights.”

It is his goal to protect and preserve private-property rights, Pyle said.