Iowa Legislation Seeks to Limit Drone Flight Over Livestock Operations
To restrict drone surveillance of livestock facilities without the permission of the property owner, the Iowa House recently passed legislation, House File 572, reports Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Drones, stated in the bill as remotely piloted aircraft, would not be allowed to fly within 400 feet of where agricultural animals are housed, such as livestock feedyards, confinement operations and private property homesteads.
Proponents of the bill, including Iowa Representative Derek Wulf (R-Hudson), says the drone bill provides privacy rights for Iowa farmers and ranchers as they care for the safety and security of their livestock in the article.
The bill follows previous Iowa legislation, or “ag-gag” laws, in attempt to combat animal welfare organizations from unknowingly collecting images and videos that document conditions and treatment of animals without the consent of the owners.
Opposition of the bill came from business owners who use drones, the article says, who were worried the bill could limit their ability to work in situations where drones are flown over multiple properties or in more densely populated areas.
In response, the bill was amended to clarify the restrictions apply only to properties outside city limits and would not impact property owners flying drones over their own land, explains the article. Additionally, exemptions for railroads and accidental intrusions “that do not linger over protected areas” were added.
Wulf told Iowa Capital Dispatch that this bill does not slow down the technological advances in the use of drones, as they are used more and more in different agricultural purposes. However is a step in the right direction to protect Iowa producers in the safety and security of their livestock and operations that take pride in providing the safest, most abundant food supply in the world.
Passing the House 87-10, the bill will next come before the Senate alongside its companion, Senate File 520, the article notes.
