Ohio Police Can Soon Use Drones Without Warrants in These Situations

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed HB 251, which starting October 6, 2026, requires a warrant for drone surveillance of home interiors and allows nine exceptions for warrantless flights. Starting in 2030, state agencies will be banned from buying and using drones from 'adversary' countries.

• Warrant required if physical entry would also require a warrant
• Nine exceptions: 50-mile border, emergencies, accidents, natural disasters
• Flight logs and recordings become public by default
• From October 6, 2030, ban on drones from adversary countries