Aerial drones may be restricted to protect privacy

AUSTIN (AP) - A Texas lawmaker has introduced a bill that would make it more difficult to use unmanned aerial drones in Texas.

Terrill Republican Lance Gooden wants to make it illegal to use a drone to monitor private property without express permission or a search warrant.

Gooden's proposed law would restrict drone operators from collecting not only images, but also sounds and smells.

Drones are best known for their military application in Iraq and Afghanistan. But federal law enforcement has begun using drones along the border with Mexico and the Texas Department Safety has started using drones.

Hobbyists have also begun mounting cameras on remote control aircraft, creating privacy concerns.

Those found guilty of using a drone illegally would be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor for every image they possess.