ORS 837.335: Search and rescue; use in emergencies.
Edition: 2025 EditionEffective: 2026-01-01Last verified: 2026-09-07
(1) A law enforcement agency may operate an unmanned aircraft system, acquire information through the operation of an unmanned aircraft system, or disclose information acquired through the operation of an unmanned aircraft system, for the purpose of search and rescue activities, as defined in ORS 404.200. (2) A law enforcement agency may operate an unmanned aircraft system, acquire information through the operation of an unmanned aircraft system, or disclose information acquired through the operation of an unmanned aircraft system, for the purpose of assisting an individual in an emergency if: (a) The law enforcement agency reasonably believes that there is an imminent threat to the life or safety of the individual, and documents the factual basis for that belief; and (b) Not more than 48 hours after the emergency operation begins, an official of the law enforcement agency files a sworn statement with the circuit court that describes the nature of the emergency and the need for use of an unmanned aircraft system. (3) A law enforcement agency may operate an unmanned aircraft system, acquire information through the operation of an unmanned aircraft system, or disclose information acquired through the operation of an unmanned aircraft system, during a state of emergency that is declared by the Governor under ORS chapter 401 if: (a) The unmanned aircraft system is used only for the purposes of preserving public safety, protecting property or conducting surveillance for the assessment and evaluation of environmental or weather related damage, erosion or contamination; and (b) The unmanned aircraft system is operated only in the geographical area specified in a proclamation pursuant to ORS 401.165 (5). [2013 c.686 §5; 2015 c.315 §5]
Official history and status
History: Note: See note under 837.300.
Administrative rules citing this section
- OAR 738-140-0005: Scope and Purpose — implements
- OAR 738-140-0010: Definitions — implements
- OAR 738-140-0015: Civil Penalty Policy — implements
- OAR 738-140-0020: Violations for Which a Civil Penalty May be Imposed — implements
- OAR 738-140-0025: Intentional Violation of Public Body Registration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Requirement — implements
- OAR 738-140-0030: Formula to Determine Amount of Civil penalty for Violations of Chapter 837 — implements
This rule cites
- ORS 404.200 — resolved
- ORS chapter 401 — target_record_not_published
- ORS 401.165 — resolved
Cited by
Official source: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors837.html