La. Senate Halts Bill To Include Drones In Criminal Statutes

Louisiana senators have rejected a Baton Rouge lawmaker's bid to regulate drones by adding them to Louisiana criminal statutes.

Republican Sen. Dan Claitor said his bill to include illegal drone use in state laws — including trespassing, stalking and criminal mischief laws — would close holes in Louisiana's criminal code.

But his colleagues voted 17-15 against the measure Wednesday.

Senators criticized the proposal, saying state laws already protect against the crimes mentioned in Claitor's bill. They said courts could still prosecute offenders under current law, even if drones were used to commit the crime.

Others questioned whether the bill could have unintended consequences that may punish recreational drone users. They said the proposal could jail hobbyists who did not intend to commit any crimes.

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