As we kick off the new year, a slate of new laws takes effect in Nevada. Some of these laws are the result of voter initiatives, while others have been enacted by the state legislature. One notable legislative law taking effect in Nevada addresses a current hot topic: drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Senate Bill 11 (SB11) prohibits law enforcement, fire departments, and public agencies from using drones from a list of Chinese military companies identified by the U.S. Department of Defense.
It's important to point out that agencies that already possess DJI unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can continue to operate them even after the law takes effect. We reached out to the Spark Police Department, and they confirmed that they currently have UAVs made by DJI. They will be providing more information later this month.
The Nevada Department of Public Safety will enforce these new regulations.
Sb-11 also pertains to agencies using UAVS to check building compliance and ensure adherence to building codes. Additionally, Images captured by drones are not admissible in a court of law in civil or criminal cases to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
The world's largest drone/UAV manufacturer, DJI, is suing the Department of Defense over being labeled a "Chinese military" company. DJI accounts for more than half of all commercial drones sold in the U.S. and is widely used by hobbyists, police departments, firefighters, and businesses. The company asserts that its products are intended solely for civilian use and has suspended all operations in Russia and Ukraine.
According to the Department of Defense, DJI was added to the DOD's list of prohibited Chinese military companies for its role in modernizing the People's Liberation Army.
The larger stated goal of the Department of Defense is to slow the Chinese military from accessing advanced technologies. Concerns about data transmission using DJI-related software raise suspicions of Chinese espionage.
