CHAPTER 245
An Act to amend and reenact § 19.2-60.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to use of unmanned aircraft systems by public bodies; search warrant required; exceptions.
[H 950]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 19.2-60.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 19.2-60.1 . Use of unmanned aircraft systems by public bodies; search warrant required.
A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Unmanned aircraft" means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
"Unmanned aircraft system" means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements, including communication links, sensing devices, and the components that control the unmanned aircraft.
B. No state or local government department, agency, or instrumentality having jurisdiction over criminal law enforcement or regulatory violations, including but not limited to the Department of State Police, and no department of law enforcement as defined in § 15.2-836 of any county, city, or town shall utilize an unmanned aircraft system except during the execution of a search warrant issued pursuant to this chapter or an administrative or inspection warrant issued pursuant to law.