Iowa Lawmakers Seek To Limit Drone Flights Over Homes

New legislation in the Iowa legislature aims to criminalize drone flights in certain situations. House File 572 proposes charging individuals with a simple misdemeanor for flying a drone over someone’s farm or home outside city limits. If a surveillance device, such as a camera, is attached to the drone, the charges become more severe. Furthermore, the bill would enable judges to ban individuals from flying drones for two years if they are sued for harassment due to flying over someone’s property.

Rep. Derek Wulf (R-Black Hawk County) explained that the bill’s purpose is to safeguard farmers’ privacy.

He stated, “I believe this bill is a step in the right direction to protect Iowa’s farmers and ranchers as they work every day to protect the safety and security of their livestock and the operation they take pride in.”

Initially, the bill did not exempt structures within city limits, raising concerns for drone pilots like Bridger Hawkinson, owner of Hawkinson…