Iowa senators have advanced a bill expanding drone restrictions over farms, providing broader protection against aerial surveillance.
The proposed legislation, Senate File 491, extends the current law—which prohibits drone flights over animal feeding operations—to cover all farmsteads of at least 40 acres that generate $15,000 or more in annual commodity sales.
The bill would also make it illegal to operate a drone within 400 feet of farm animals, equipment, or structures without landowner permission.
Supporters argue that drones disturb livestock and infringe on farmers’ privacy, while penalties for violations remain misdemeanors
The bill has drawn support from Iowa commodity groups but faces opposition from the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter, which sees it as a measure limiting animal-welfare investigations.
Photo Credit: The BBC
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