1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a law enforcement officer must obtain a search warrant in order to use an unmanned aerial vehicle.

2. (b) A law enforcement officer or governmental entity may use an unmanned aerial vehicle without obtaining a search warrant if the law enforcement officer determines that the use of the unmanned aerial vehicle:

   1. (1) is required due to:

      1. (A) the existence of exigent circumstances necessitating a warrantless search;
      2. (B) the substantial likelihood of a terrorist attack;
      3. (C) the need to conduct a search and rescue or recovery operation;

      4. (D) the need to conduct efforts:

         1. (i) in response to; or

         2. (ii) to mitigate;

            the results of a natural disaster or any other disaster; or

      5. (E) the need to perform a geographical, an environmental, or any other survey for a purpose that is not a criminal justice purpose;
   2. (2) is required to obtain aerial photographs or video images of a motor vehicle accident site on a public street or public highway; or
   3. (3) will be conducted with the consent of any affected property owner.

As added by P.L.170-2014, SEC.19. Amended by P.L.57-2016, SEC.2.