If enacted, this legislation would restrict funding from federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense from being used to operate covered unmanned aircraft vehicles for illegal surveillance of American citizens. The bill mandates annual reports from the President to Congress detailing instances where such drones may have been deployed, ensuring accountability and transparency should these measures be violated. It sets a clear precedent that military resources should not be directed toward monitoring citizens during lawful protests.
Summary
House Bill 4759, titled the 'Ban Military Drones Spying on Civilians Act', aims to prohibit the use of unmanned aircraft vehicles by various federal agencies for the purpose of conducting surveillance on U.S. individuals participating in protests or civil disobedience. The primary intention of this bill is to safeguard the civil liberties of individuals and ensure their right to protest without the fear of being surveilled by military-grade technology. This measure is particularly significant in light of growing concerns regarding privacy and governmental overreach.
Contention
The bill addresses potential conflicts surrounding the deployment of military drones within domestic spaces, where their use raises serious privacy concerns and implications for civil liberties. Supporters of the bill argue that it prevents governmental abuse of surveillance technology against its own populace, particularly in the context of social justice and civil rights. However, opponents may express concerns regarding the effectiveness of policing measures and national security considerations when prohibiting certain surveillance tools, suggesting that restrictions might impede necessary law enforcement responses during demonstrations.
Adds federal and state military installations and facilities to the locations over which the use of an unmanned aircraft system is prohibited. (8/1/25)
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3, relative to exemption from sales and use tax on aircraft repair services and parts.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3, relative to exemption from sales and use tax on aircraft repair services and parts.