States Including Montana Propose Limiting Use of Drones by Police

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Lawmakers in at least 11 states are looking at plans to restrict the use of drones over their skies amid concerns the unmanned aerial vehicles could be exploited to spy on Americans.

The American Civil Liberties Union says state legislators are proposing various restrictions on the new technology.

The Montana Senate looked at two bills Tuesday that hinder the use of drones, most often associated with overseas wars.

The chamber is preparing to give initial approval to one bill that bans information collected by drones from being used in court. It also would bar local and state government ownership of drones equipped with weapons.

The 10 other states with active legislation are California, Oregon, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Florida, Virginia, Maine and Oklahoma.