Buzz Off Act

1/31/2025, 11:08 AM

Buzz Off Act

This bill prohibits federal law enforcement from using unmanned aerial vehicles to intentionally conduct surveillance of a specifically targeted U.S. citizen or the property of such an individual, with certain exceptions.

Specifically, this prohibition shall not apply if (1) the federal law enforcement agency in question first obtains a search warrant, (2) the Department of Homeland Security certifies that such surveillance is necessary to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specified person or organization, or (3) the citizen gives written consent for a photograph or recording that will be made available to the public.

Bill 119 HR 96, also known as the "Preventing Government Surveillance Act," aims to prohibit federal agencies from using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to conduct surveillance on United States citizens. The bill seeks to protect the privacy and civil liberties of individuals by restricting the use of drones for surveillance purposes.

Under this legislation, federal agencies would be prohibited from using UAVs to collect information on American citizens without their consent or a warrant. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that any data collected by drones is not used in a way that violates the Fourth Amendment rights of individuals.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to increase transparency and accountability in the use of drones by requiring federal agencies to report on their use of UAVs for surveillance purposes. This would help ensure that the public is informed about how drones are being used and provide oversight to prevent any potential abuses of power. Overall, Bill 119 HR 96 seeks to strike a balance between national security interests and the protection of individual privacy rights. By limiting the use of drones for surveillance purposes and increasing transparency in their use, the legislation aims to safeguard the rights of American citizens while still allowing for necessary government operations.
Congress
119
Number
HR - 96
Introduced on
2025-01-03
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/3/2025
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Buzz Off Act

This bill prohibits federal law enforcement from using unmanned aerial vehicles to intentionally conduct surveillance of a specifically targeted U.S. citizen or the property of such an individual, with certain exceptions.

Specifically, this prohibition shall not apply if (1) the federal law enforcement agency in question first obtains a search warrant, (2) the Department of Homeland Security certifies that such surveillance is necessary to counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specified person or organization, or (3) the citizen gives written consent for a photograph or recording that will be made available to the public.

Bill 119 HR 96, also known as the "Preventing Government Surveillance Act," aims to prohibit federal agencies from using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to conduct surveillance on United States citizens. The bill seeks to protect the privacy and civil liberties of individuals by restricting the use of drones for surveillance purposes.

Under this legislation, federal agencies would be prohibited from using UAVs to collect information on American citizens without their consent or a warrant. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that any data collected by drones is not used in a way that violates the Fourth Amendment rights of individuals.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to increase transparency and accountability in the use of drones by requiring federal agencies to report on their use of UAVs for surveillance purposes. This would help ensure that the public is informed about how drones are being used and provide oversight to prevent any potential abuses of power. Overall, Bill 119 HR 96 seeks to strike a balance between national security interests and the protection of individual privacy rights. By limiting the use of drones for surveillance purposes and increasing transparency in their use, the legislation aims to safeguard the rights of American citizens while still allowing for necessary government operations.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo prevent agencies from using unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct surveillance of United States citizens, and for other purposes.

Comments

Related

Committee:  Judiciary

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/3/2025

Buzz Off Act

This bill prohibits federal law enforcement from using unmanned aerial vehicles to intentionally conduct surveillance of a specifically targeted U.S. citizen or the property of such an individual, with certain e...

Latest Action1/3/2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.