Connecticut could become the first U.S. state to allow deadly police drones. According to Reuters, the proposed legislation actually bans “weaponized drones” in the state generally, however, it includes a specific exemption for law enforcement agencies, which has caused many to be up in arms over the potential new law.
South Dakota has allowed law enforcement agencies to use armed drones since 2015, however, they are limited to using “less than lethal” weapons while doing so. Connecticut’s proposed drone legislation has no such limitations, however, it still has a long way to go before becoming actual law. The legislation was approved overwhelmingly by the Connecticut’s state legislature’s judiciary committee, however, it must also be approved by the State House of Representatives and Senate.