California Governor Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill that would have restricted how law enforcement and other government agencies use drones.
The measure, which passed the state's Senate and Assembly with broad support, would have required law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before using an unmanned aircraft, or drone, except in emergencies such as a fire or a hostage-taking.
Brown said in his veto message: "There are undoubtedly circumstances where a warrant is appropriate. The bill's exceptions, however, appear to be too narrow." According to the governor, the law "could have imposed standards on law enforcement beyond what is required by both the U.S. and California Constitutions."
But supporters of the bill say it would have prevented privacy and civil liberties violations as well as warrantless surveillance.
Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R), who wrote the bill, tweeted out "The era of govt. surveillance continues."
