Oregon Bill Expanding Police Use of Drones Without Warrants Alarms Civil Rights Advocates

Oregon's Senate Bill 238 seeks to allow law enforcement agencies to utilize drones without a warrant, drawing alarm from civil rights advocates who fear increased surveillance. Michael Abrams of the ACLU of Oregon argues that existing laws already cover legitimate drone use with required judicial oversight, emphasizing the risks of unchecked surveillance. The bill's critics worry that it could enable law enforcement to surveil protests and gather data on private citizens without consent. Senator Floyd Prozanski, a supporter, claims the measure is essential for public safety and could alleviate staffing shortages in police departments. He believes that the warrant requirement can hinder urgent responses in critical situations.

Abrams challenges this notion, stating law enforcement has not demonstrated instances where a warrant was unattainable in time. Current laws already provide exceptions for emergencies like search and rescue. The bill is currently under review in the House Rules Committee, and its future remains uncertain.