HF 1275 Minnesota House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Use of unmanned aerial vehicles authorized for risk of fleeing suspect or actual fleeing suspect.

This bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 626.19, subdivision 3, to explicitly authorize law enforcement agencies to use drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) during the lawful pursuit of a fleeing suspect. It directly affects police departments and the public, as it expands drone use for suspect chases beyond existing emergency or disaster scenarios. The key provision adds a specific exception to the list of permitted drone uses, allowing agencies to deploy drones "in risk of, or for purposes of, the lawful pursuit of a fleeing suspect." This change clarifies and formalizes an existing practice under Minnesota law.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 20, 2025 Last action Mar 17, 2025
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4
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Committee
0
Feb 20, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

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