Virginia eyes new laws on drones

by | Feb 16, 2015 | POLITICS

As the federal government establishes national guidelines for commercial drones, the General Assembly is considering whether and how to restrict drones in Virginia.


As the federal government establishes national guidelines for commercial drones, the General Assembly is considering whether and how to restrict drones in Virginia.

At the start of the legislative session, five bills regarding drones had been submitted – two affecting hobbyists and the others affecting government agencies.

Check out details on the FAA’s proposed rules here

House Bill 2017, proposed by Del. Scott Surovell, D-Mount Vernon, and Senate Bill 937, proposed by Sen. Jennifer Wexton, D-Leesburg, sought to allow local governments to ban individuals from flying drones under 55 pounds. However, both measures are dead for this session.

The Criminal Law Subcommittee of the House Courts of Justice Committee tabled HB 2017. Wexton asked that her bill be withdrawn.

Virginia currently has a moratorium on drone use by government agencies. The moratorium, which the General Assembly approved in 2013, will expire in July. Legislators are pondering what to do next.

HB 2125, submitted by Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge County, would let law enforcement agencies use drones for surveillance as long as they obtain a warrant for each flight.

The bill contains an exception for specific emergencies. No warrant would be needed, for example, to use a drone during an Amber Alert, when police are searching for a missing child. The bill also would allow colleges and universities to use drones for research.

Del. C Todd Gilbert, R-Mount Jackson, filed a similar bill – HB 2077. The Criminal Law Subcommittee folded Gilbert’s bill into Cline’s. On Feb. 10, the House unanimously passed HB 2125; it is now before the Senate Courts of Justice Committee.

SB 1301, an identical bill sponsored by Sen. Donald McEachin, D-Richmond, passed the Senate, 21-17, on Feb. 10. It has been sent to the House Courts of Justice Committee. On Friday, the committee unanimously approved it, clearing the way for a vote by the full House.

HB 2125 and SB 1301 are supported by the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and other privacy advocates.

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner




more in politics

Matt Strickland and the Image of Strength He Must Demonstrate

Strickland Appeared before the Virginia Board of Elections “Buy the ticket, take the ride” is that old proverbial saying coined by Hunter S Thompson. I prefer the saying “take the ride, pay for the ticket. Now is almost the time for Matt Strickland to pay for the...

Richmond’s Next Mayor? Get to Know Garrett Sawyer

Today, I’m getting a drink with a politician. Coffeeshop, lunch spot, in-studio - those are perfectly fine places to get to know someone, but there’s nothing like a good whiskey to loosen up a conversation. Garrett Sawyer is meeting me at The Camel for happy hour on a...

Richmond’s Next Mayor? Get to Know Maurice Neblett

I’m starting to really enjoy these interviews. My favorite part? Staying in touch with all of the candidates. They’ve all sent me prompts on issues they care about since our individual conversations; not one in aggrandizement of their contributions to anything. Just,...

Richmond’s Next Mayor? Get to Know Harrison Roday

It’s raining fucking buckets. It’s cold, 4pm, and I want to go home. But I’m about to do that weird half-run, scrunched-shoulders thing into Blanchard's Coffee Shop on Broad street to meet Harrison Roday, candidate for Mayor. They’re gonna close soon too. He’s a new...

Getting Kicked Out of the Trump Event

Let me start by saying that it was a smart move to remove me from the Trump event at the Greater Richmond Convention Center before the former President spoke on Saturday. It was NOT a wise move to grant me press credentials in the first place. After over two hours...

Pin It on Pinterest