Quinn signs bill to regulate use of drones

Illinois will regulate the use of drones by law enforcement under a bill signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn.

The Chicago Democrat signed the measure Tuesday. He hadn’t previously indicated what he’d do. Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson didn’t immediately have comment.

Drones are sophisticated, unmanned aircraft that authorities are considering for aerial surveillance. The law requires authorities to obtain a search warrant before using a drone to collect information.

Bill sponsor Democratic state Sen. Daniel Biss has said the law helps maintain a reasonable expectation of privacy. The American Civil Liberties Union praises the new law as appropriate and reasonable.

The legislation outlines a few exceptions, including when the Department of Homeland Security decides surveillance is needed to prevent a terrorist attack.