Virginia Gov. on Drone Ban: Police Use OK

By JASON KOEBLER
March 26, 2013

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell will offer substantial amendments to the state's drone moratorium bill that would allow the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by law enforcement and universities, according to the governor's office.

Last month, the state became the first to pass anti-drone legislation as lawmakers sought to impose a two-year ban on unmanned aircraft use in the state. But McDonnell's amendments will "allow the use of (drones) for certain law enforcement operations such as the search or rescue of missing persons or in cases involving imminent danger to citizens," his office said Tuesday.

"This will allow law enforcement officials to use this developing technology to protect public safety while respecting individual rights of citizens and their expectation of privacy," Jeff Caldwell, McDonnell's press secretary, said.

Last week, officials affiliated with the drone industry said that if the McDonnell signed the law as is, effectively banning drones until at least 2015, the state's economy would suffer.

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