HB1148

The Arkansas Privacy Act (House Bill 1148) establishes legal protections regarding the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to capture images of private property or individuals. The bill defines prohibited conduct, such as surveillance of critical infrastructure or private property without consent, and establishes criminal penalties ranging from Class C to Class B misdemeanors for unauthorized use, possession, or distribution of such images. It also provides a private right of action for property owners and tenants to seek injunctions, civil damages, or actual damages against violators. The bill explicitly lists lawful exceptions for drone use, including operations by law enforcement during emergencies, authorized research by educational institutions, utility maintenance, and other government-authorized functions. It aims to clarify the balance between the use of drone technology and the privacy rights of Arkansans by creating both regulatory and civil enforcement mechanisms.