Quinn Signs Bill To Regulate Use Of Drones In IL

Illinois will allow the use of drones by law enforcement under a bill signed by Gov. Pat Quinn. Quinn signed the measure yesterday. Spokesman Grant Klinzman says the governor signed the law to protect people's right to privacy. Drones are sophisticated, unmanned aircraft that authorities are considering for aerial surveillance. But the law requires authorities to obtain a search warrant before using a drone to collect information. Bill sponsor Democratic state Senator Daniel Biss has said the law helps maintain a reasonable expectation of privacy. The American Civil Liberties Union praises the new law as appropriate and reasonable. The legislation outlines a few exceptions, including when the Department of Homeland Security decides surveillance is needed to prevent a terrorist attack.