Bill · H.R. 96· House(119-HR-96)
Buzz Off Act
- Introduced
- 1/3/2025
- Last activity
- 1/3/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Andy Biggs
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Buzz Off Act," aims to prevent federal law enforcement agencies from using unmanned aerial vehicles to surveil United States citizens. It prohibits these agencies from using drones to gather evidence, collect information, or record specific individuals and their private property. An exception is made if the citizen provides written consent for the recording to be published or shared. Additionally, the restrictions do not apply if the President, via the Secretary of Homeland Security, authorizes use due to a high risk of a terrorist attack. Finally, law enforcement may use these vehicles if they first obtain a search warrant signed by a judge.
Yes
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+8
The bill prohibits federal agencies from using drones to intentionally surveil, record, or gather evidence on targeted citizens and their private property.
Does this change how police departments operate?+6
The bill restricts federal law enforcement agencies from using unmanned aerial vehicles for warrantless surveillance of citizens and their property.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+3
The bill provides increased privacy protections against federal drone surveillance in populated areas.
The opposite
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?-4
The bill allows for exceptions where the President can authorize drone surveillance to counter high risks of terrorist attacks.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Privacy: The bill prevents federal law enforcement from intentionally conducting surveillance or gathering information on specific United States citizens and their private property, as stated in Section 2(a).
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Control Over Personal Media: Individuals have the power to allow or deny the use of their likeness by providing written consent for photographs or recordings to be published, according to Section 2(b).
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Judicial Oversight: The bill ensures that law enforcement must obtain a search warrant signed by a judge before using unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance in certain instances, as noted in Section 2(c)(2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Exceptions for National Security: The President, through the Secretary of Homeland Security, can authorize drone surveillance without a warrant if it is certified as necessary to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack, which is outlined in Section 2(c)(1).
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Exceptions via Search Warrants: Federal law enforcement can still conduct surveillance using unmanned aerial vehicles if they obtain a judge-signed search warrant, as specified in Section 2(c)(2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+8
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+6
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance-4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Urban Residents+3
- 1/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House