Illinois police departments will be restricted in how they can use drone aircraft. A new lawsays police have to treat drones like they would a search--convincing a judge they have probable cause in order to get a warrant. Representative Ann Williams sponsored the legislation. During debate in May, the Chicago Democrat said it was meant to ensure peoples' privacy.
"This bill in no way limits the use for important law enforcement needs. What it does is ensure that the privacy protections afforded to us under the Constitution -- under the First and the Fourth Amendment -- are intact." - Rep. Ann Williams
The law has several exemptions. Warrants wouldn't be required for searches for missing people, when someone is in imminent danger, or when the federal government identifies a credible terrorist threat.
Illinois Public Radio's Brian Mackey contributed to this report.