Oregon’s Senate Bill 238A Sparks Privacy Concerns Over Drone Surveillance

In Oregon, Senate Bill 238A, currently under review, is stirring controversy by proposing to ease restrictions on law enforcement drone use, potentially reducing court oversight for surveillance. The bill, which passed the Senate with Democratic support, has drawn sharp criticism from privacy advocates and community groups who fear it could erode civil liberties, reports KATU 2 ABC.

Legislative Push and Public Backlash

Introduced without chief sponsors but carried by Democratic State Senator Floyd Prozanski, Senate Bill 238A aims to expand drone use for law enforcement tasks like responding to 911 calls and search and rescue missions. Of 302 public testimonies, 282 opposed the bill, with only 20 in favor, 11 of which came from police departments. The ACLU of Oregon and community leaders held a press conference on June 9, 2025, condemning the legislation. Jessica Maravilla, ACLU of Oregon’s policy director, stated, “This legislation endangers basic privacy rights of all Oregonians,” highlighting risks to free speech and privacy, especially for protesters and marginalized groups.

Technical and Operational Implications

Drones under the bill would operate under amended rules, allowing use in emergencies and limiting data retention to curb general surveillance. For drone professionals, this raises concerns about airspace management and privacy. Modern drones, equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, can capture detailed imagery from altitudes up to 400 feet, potentially monitoring private properties without consent.

Portland Police Bureau Chief Robert Day supported the bill, noting it “offers a thoughtful path forward” for enhancing efficiency but suggested removing restrictions on commercial property drone operations. Conversely, Springfield Police Department’s Brian Austin argued that the “minimal and largely theoretical risk of privacy infringement is significantly outweighed by the immense and proven gains in public safety.”

Community and Industry Concerns

Opposition is fierce among community groups like Don’t Shoot PDX, whose founder, Teressa Raiford, criticized the lack of community input, stating:

“Historically the communities not invited to the table have also been the ones targeted for use as an act of state intimidation and retaliation.” Portland City Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane drew historical parallels, saying, “The Japanese American community knows how government surveillance and policing of immigrants of color can devastate communities for generations.”

For recreational drone pilots, the bill could complicate compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, as increased police drone activity may lead to stricter airspace controls.

What’s Next for Senate Bill 238A

An amendment proposed on June 10, 2025, outlines specific drone use cases and limits data retention, aiming to address privacy concerns. Public hearings on June 11 at 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. will discuss these changes. If passed, the bill heads to Governor Tina Kotek for signing. For drone professionals and enthusiasts, the outcome will shape operational protocols and public perception of drone technology. The Oregon Association Chiefs of Police supports the bill, asserting it “strikes an important and deliberate balance” between public safety and privacy.

Photos courtesy of Suarez Media