Activists warn public is being  categorized as “low-grade enemy”

Steve Watson Infowars.com Feb 4, 2013

Legislation to stave off the use of drones by law  enforcement and government agencies in Virginia has advanced in the State  Senate, as well as the House, bringing closer a two-year moratorium on the  unmanned craft.

A House panel approved sending their version of the bill, HB2012 sponsored by Del. Benjamin L. Cline, to the floor by a  9-4 vote, while the Senate Courts of Justice, also endorsed the legislation Monday.

While the House bill advocates a blanket ban on  the use of drones, the Senate version has an exception where missing person  searches are concerned.

Delegate Todd Gilbert, who sponsored a similar drone bill last year said that strict  limitations should be imposed upon the use of drones, including requiring search  warrants for surveillance or collecting evidence for criminal  investigations.

Claire Guthrie Gastañaga, executive director for  the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia noted that “All of us are about  to sacrifice our privacy to this new technology.”

“The Fourth Amendment should be the floor to  protect our privacy, not the ceiling.” Gastañaga added.

At the House hearing, law enforcement groups argued that warrants may  not be able to be obtained in time to use the technology effectively. Russell  County Sheriff’s Office said it had already purchased two drones, and argued  against the introduction of stipulations.

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