The Seattle Police Dept. has become one of the first in the country authorized to use drones by the federal government. (Photo credit should read PIERRE ANDRIEU/AFP/GettyImages)
SEATTLE (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources and law enforcement organizations have expressed concerns over a measure that would impose various restrictions on the use and purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles.
In a hearing before a Senate panel on Wednesday, DNR Deputy Supervisor Randy Acker said his agency has been working to get approval for a drone from the Federal Aviation Administration for the 2013 wildfire season. Acker says a drone can fly in conditions unsafe for pilots to collect information about fires.
Law enforcement officials suggested the use of drones would be better decided in a court case rather than legislative action.
This year Democrat and Republican lawmakers are working on bills regulating the use of drones by state and local agencies.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
