SEATTLE — Gov. Jay Inslee has vetoed a bill that would have placed new regulations on police use of drones in Washington.
The News Tribune reports the governor also announced on Friday he will prevent state agencies from buying or using the technology for the next 15 months.
Inslee says he chose to veto the bill partly because he was worried it would restrict public access to government data.
The legislation contained provisions that would prevent government agencies from disclosing personal information collected through drone surveillance.
Among other regulations, House Bill 2389 would have required a search warrant for law enforcement agencies to use drone surveillance, except in emergency situations where someone is in danger of getting hurt.
