Wouldn't FAA rules overrule this? Or does it only apply to police departments, not civilian / commercial use? Why am I asking here?

North Bergen state senator sponsors bill limiting use of drones in Garden State

By Alexander W. Silady/The Jersey Journal
June 18, 2013 at 9:01 PM

A bill that limits how unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones, can be used in New Jersey, was approved 4-0 Monday by the New Jersey Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
It will not be enacted until the entire State Senate votes on it in its next session.

North Bergen state Sen. Nicholas Sacco and Nicholas Scutari of Linden cosponsored the proposed law.

"Over the past several years, the drone industry has grown rapidly and is expected to double in the next decade. Before that happens, we need to institute strict safeguards to protect the privacy of all New Jersey residents," said Sacco, who is also the mayor of North Bergen. "Although drones offer a great solution to overcome cost and manpower shortages, this technology cannot be used without limitations. The safety of our residents must always come first."

The bill would prevent police from using drones except for specific ongoing criminal investigations. Any records obtained by drones not related to an ongoing investigation would have to be destroyed after 14 days, according to the bill.


The Missing Persons Unit would be permitted to use drones for search-and-rescue missions, and fire departments would be allowed to use them to monitor burning areas. Law enforcement drones would also not be allowed to have weapons.

"As far as I know, there are no specific plans for New Jersey law enforcement to obtain drones. However, there are hundreds of drones in use all over the United States, and it appears to be the wave of the future. Senator Sacco wants to preempt this," said Sacco representative Phil Swibinski.

The New Jersey State Police declined to comment on the matter.

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