By Julio Rausseo/Illinois Radio Network
CHICAGO – Privacy concerns grounded an Illinois state Senate bill to let law enforcement officers train with drones.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Antonio Munoz, D-Chicago, defended the legislation before the vote Wednesday as necessary to help protect public safety.
“If you’re law enforcement, we need the permission in order for them to do the training,” Munoz said. “This is not about trying to infringe on someone’s privacy.”
But Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, said he believed the bill would leave Illinois residents vulnerable.
“A realistic invasion of privacy for people in their properties, in their homes,” Righter said. “And this is the quintessential example of it.”
Sen. Mike Connelly, R-Wheaton, also worried about people’s privacy.
“I have grave concerns with this bill,” Connelly said. “It can be used to secure images on private property without consent. I think it’s a very slippery slope.”
Some Democrats also opposed the bill, including Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago.
“Training is important, but this is dangerous, ladies and gentlemen,” Raoul said. “I share the sentiments you heard from the other side of the aisle.”
The bill failed 23-19 with four senators voting present.
