A state house committee is expected to vote tomorrow on a bill banning civilians from flying drones over active police investigations.
The state House Criminal Justice committee meets Tuesday morning to discuss HB 4868. The bill would make it a misdemeanor to fly a drone in a way that interferes with a law enforcement officer, firefighter or utility worker. If found guilty, the person flying the drone could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Sgt. Tim Fitzgerald is with the Michigan State Police. He says drones could pose a security problem.
“It’s not putting our officers in a good position if there’s a hobbyist with a drone that is live-streaming footage of the officer’s operation,” says Fitzgerald.
There could soon be many more drones flying in Michigan’s skies.
Drones are expected to be among the hottest Christmas gifts this year.
