Iowa is one step closer to creating regulations on drones flying over livestock operations. The state’s House passed a bill this week limiting surveillance without the permission of the owner when a drone is within 400 feet of where ag animals are kept.
This comes in response to animal welfare organizations documenting animal conditions and treatment. It also follows several ‘ag-gag’ laws passed by the state legislation to penalize these activists, but judges have ruled those unconstitutional.
According to state Rep. Derek Wulf, the drone bill “provides privacy rights for our Iowa farmers and ranchers, and their operations, as they care for the safety and security of their livestock.”
The bill will now head to the state senate alongside its companion legislation there.
