The state Department of Natural Resources and law enforcement organizations have expressed concerns over a measure that would impose various restrictions on the use and purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles.
In a hearing before a Senate panel on Wednesday, DNR Deputy Supervisor Randy Acker said his agency has been working to get approval for a drone from the Federal Aviation Administration for the 2013 wildfire season. Acker says a drone can fly in conditions unsafe for pilots to collect information about fires.
Law enforcement officials suggested the use of drones would be better decided in a court case rather than legislative action.
This year Democrat and Republican lawmakers are working on bills regulating the use of drones by state and local agencies.

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