SB317 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Sanford

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Scott Beason

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Searches and seizures, use of drones by any government agency prohibited, exceptions, right to initiate a civil action by aggrieved parties, certain evidence obtained by drones inadmissible in criminal actions

Summary

SB317 would ban government agencies from using drones to collect evidence, allow limited exceptions, make illegally obtained drone evidence inadmissible, and let affected people sue agencies that violate the rules.

What This Bill Does

The bill generally blocks government agencies from using drones to gather evidence or information, with limited exceptions. Exceptions include countering a high risk of terrorist attack when there is credible intelligence, obtaining a judge-issued search warrant, or acting to prevent imminent danger or the imminent escape of a suspect. Evidence collected in violation of the act cannot be used in criminal prosecutions in state courts. It also allows an aggrieved party to file a civil action against the violating agency to stop or remedy the violation.

Who It Affects

• Law enforcement and other government agencies with arrest powers (they would face restrictions on drone use and must rely on the specified exceptions).
• Individuals or groups who are subjected to drone surveillance or who are harmed by drone surveillance (they could file civil lawsuits to prevent or remedy violations).

Key Provisions

• Prohibits government agencies from using a drone to gather evidence or information, with defined exceptions.
• Allows use of drones to counter a high risk of terrorist attack if credible intelligence is determined by the U.S. DHS Secretary or the Alabama Director of Homeland Security.
• Allows use of a drone if a search warrant is obtained and signed by a judge.
• Allows use of a drone when there is reasonable suspicion that swift action is needed to prevent imminent danger or to prevent the suspect's imminent escape.
• Evidence obtained or collected in violation is not admissible in criminal prosecutions in any state court.
• An aggrieved party may initiate a civil action against a government agency to prevent or remedy the violation.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Surveillance