Lawmakers send drone bill to Quinn

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers have approved a plan that would regulate the use of drones by law enforcement agencies statewide.

Senators approved it Friday. It goes to Gov. Pat Quinn. He hasn’t indicated whether he’ll sign it.

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

Sen. Daniel Biss is a bill sponsor. The Evanston Democrat has said that the proposal helps keep people’s reasonable expectation of privacy.

The bill 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.