14 Senators Sponsor Bipartisan Drone Privacy Bill 

Trenton – Legislators comment in support of S-3318, a bill which would clarify that crimes of trespassing and invasion of privacy also include the use of unmanned aircraft systems, generally referred to as drones.

The bill is sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal and Senator Nicholas Scutari, as well as co-sponsored by Senator Bob Andrzejczak, Senator Christopher Bateman, Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez, Senator Sandra Cunningham, Senator Linda Greenstein, Senator Joseph Lagana, Senator Steven Oroho, Senator Ronald Rice, Senator Nicholas Sacco, Senator Paul Sarlo and Senator Samuel Thompson.

“Privacy is a basic human right,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). “Unfortunately, in today’s technological times, there are countless ways that privacy can be invaded. A neighbor’s drone, intentionally or unintentionally, can present endanger someone’s personal privacy. As technology advances, we have to update our laws the same way we update our computers. This legislation we make it clear that an unmanned drone trespassing on your property is no different from a person physically trespassing.”

“An increasing number of people are purchasing drones for private use which presents unique challenges around what qualifies as trespassing or invasion of privacy,” said Senator Cunningham (D-Hudson). “This legislation will offer clarification to ensure the measures in place to protect citizens’ privacy are keeping up with today’s rapidly evolving technology.”

“We have a fundamental right to privacy, but with new technology, sometimes it is hard to keep track of all the ways by which that right may be infringed upon,” said Senator Andrzejczak (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “When anyone can buy a drone with a camera mounted to it, we need to make sure there are proper regulations so as to deter that person from using it to invade the privacy of unsuspecting neighbors or community members. By being proactive with this legislation we can ensure the safety and security of all New Jerseyans.”

“One of the most invaluable rights we have as Americans is the right to privacy. As technology evolves, so too must the law,” Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) said. “By clarifying that using a drone to spy on your neighbor is in fact a crime, we can create a deterrent that is powerful enough to protect our residents from unknowingly falling victim to this harmful practice.”

“The act of trespassing on someone’s property is not limited to physical intrusion,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “The popular use of drones has warranted the need to clarify that flying a drone over private property without permission is still trespassing, and an invasion of privacy of anyone on that property. This legislation would provide the required amendment to ensure the privacy of property owners.”

The bill is currently in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.