Paul Proposes Bill Requiring Warrants for Drone Use

(Newsroom America) -- Sen. Rand Paul has proposed legislation that would require the federal government to obtain a search warrant before putting Americans under drone-based surveillance.

The Kentucky Republican said his bill aims to prevent "unwarranted governmental intrusion" through the use of drones, The Hill newspaper reported.

"Like other tools used to collect information in law enforcement, in order to use drones a warrant needs to be issued," Paul said Tuesday when proposing his bill. "Americans going about their everyday lives should not be treated like criminals or terrorists and have their rights infringed upon by military tactics."

The bill, titled S. 3287, would require the government to obtain a warrant before putting citizens under surveillance by drones. Exceptions would include the use of drones to patrol national borders, in cases involving "imminent danger to life," and to prevent terror attacks.

The measure also gives Americans the right to sue the government if the act is violated. It also prevents evidence collected through drone use from being admitted in court if the evidence is collected without a warrant.

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