Nevada Law SB11 Restricts Public Agency Drone Use, Bans DJI

Nevada Senate Bill 11 (SB11), which took effect January 1, 2025, has introduced significant restrictions on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) use by public agencies and law enforcement in Nevada.

New Restrictions on Drone Sources

The law requires Nevada’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) to create and maintain lists of prohibited Countries, businesses, and entities from which public safety agencies cannot purchase or operate drones or related equipment. These lists must include entities identified by the U.S. Department of Defense under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes DJI, as well as any vendors or services prohibited by Nevada’s IT security policies.

Law Enforcement Requirements

Under SB11, law enforcement agencies must obtain a court warrant to use drones for evidence collection in areas where privacy is expected. These warrants are valid for 10 days, with renewal possible upon showing probable cause. All agencies must register their drones with the DPS. The law does permit drone use without a warrant in specific emergency situations, including Search and Rescue operations, response to imminent threats to public safety, and during state-declared emergencies.

Public Agency Limitations

SB11 specifically states that public agencies may operate drones only for specific purposes such as fire services, emergency medical services, and protecting critical facilities. They are prohibited from operating drones for law enforcement investigations or criminal prosecutions. The law forbids collecting photographs, recordings, or other data during inspections. Furthermore, any collected data cannot be used in Legal or administrative proceedings unless directly related to the inspection.

Evidence Restrictions

The law establishes clear guidelines regarding evidence gathered by drones. Any information obtained unlawfully by drones is inadmissible, and such information cannot serve as the basis for further investigations.

This represents the key provisions of Nevada Senate Bill 11 as it affects drone operations by public agencies and law enforcement in the state.