COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new bill aims to keep someone from using a drone to invade another's privacy. It would make trespassing and voyeurism with a drone illegal on private property.
The bill to expand Ohio's existing trespassing laws to include drones had its first hearing Tuesday in the House Criminal Justice Committee.
Bill co-sponsor Republican Representative Brian Lampton (R - Beavercreek) said there is no state law regarding the use of drones over private property. He said this bill would give law enforcement the authority to go after someone who flies one onto your property or any private property without permission.
It would also prohibit voyeurism.
A drone operator couldn't spy, eavesdrop, record, photograph or livestream someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
"You don't want some stranger walking around in your backyard," Lampton said. "This is very, very similar, except right now there's nothing wrong with someone floating a drone 10 foot above in your backyard taking video and pictures."
The bill is in its very early stages. During the hearing, lawmakers said it will likely be adjusted.
They had questions about two issues the bill does not address in its current form. One is what the trespassing height restriction should be for flying a drone over private property and whether there should be an exception for law enforcement.
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