House passes bill to regulate use of drones

SPRINGFIELD — A proposal that would regulate the use of drones by law enforcement agencies in Illinois has cleared the House.

House members voted 105-12 on Thursday. It has to go back to the Senate after some House changes.

Drones are sophisticated, unmanned aircraft that authorities are considering for aerial surveillance.

Rep. Ann Williams is a bill sponsor. The Chicago Democrat says the measure helps keep people's reasonable expectation of privacy.

The proposal would require police to obtain a search warrant before using a drone to collect information.

The legislation includes few exceptions, including when the Department of Homeland Security determines such surveillance is needed to prevent a terrorist attack. Other exceptions would be cases of imminent danger or preventing a prisoner escape.