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HR 972 113th Congress House Crime and Law Enforcement Aviation and airports Civil actions and liability Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation Criminal procedure and sentencing Evidence and witnesses Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information

Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act of 2013

Introduced: March 5, 2013 Introduced by: Scott, Austin Republican · Georgia See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 113th Congress ended
It never became law before the 113th Congress (2013–2014) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Apr 8, 2013
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, And Investigations.
Mar 5, 2013
Introduced in House
Mar 5, 2013
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act of 2013 - Prohibits a person or entity acting under the authority of the United States from using a drone to gather evidence or other information pertaining to criminal conduct or regulatory violations except to the extent authorized in a warrant issued under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Defines a "drone" as any powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, and can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, be expendable or recoverable, and carry a lethal or nonlethal payload.

Exempts from such prohibition the use of drones to: (1) patrol national borders to prevent or deter illegal entry of any immigrants or illegal substances, (2) prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property or to forestall the imminent escape of a suspect or destruction of evidence when drones are used by a law enforcement party under exigent circumstances, or (3) counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specific individual or organization based on credible intelligence determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS).

Authorizes civil actions by aggrieved parties.

What's happening now April 8, 2013

Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, And Investigations.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 972: Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act of 2013. 113th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-972/
MLA
"H.R. 972: Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act of 2013." 113th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-972/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 972, 113th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-972/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 972: Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act of 2013](https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-972/)
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