A bill regarding the use of drones operated by law enforcement below 400 feet has been sent to the state Senate.  The bill, advanced last Wednesday, requires state and municipal police to obtain a warrant before operating the unmanned aerial vehicles in criminal investigations. 

Redding Representative John Shaban says training activities and certain emergencies would be exempt.

New Fairfield State Representative Richard Smith says he understands that reasonable suspicion has been clearly defined by the courts, but is concerned that it's not defined in the bill.  The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association requested an increase on the total use of the drone from 24 hours within a 30 day period under reasonable suspicion, to 30 hours in 30 days.

Southbury state Representative Arthur O'Neill says use of drones by other state agencies is not addressed in the bill.  He is concerned that the Department of Environmental Protection park rangers, the Department of Motor Vehicles enforcement arm or others could register flights with the state.  The data would be posted on the Office of Policy and Management website so it's available to the public, and O'Neill is concerned with privacy violations.