LAW ENFORCEMENT IN ILLINOIS WILL NOW BE ABLE TO USE DRONES AS A PUBLIC SAFETY TOOL. 

A NEW STATE LAW JUST SIGNED BY GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER ALLOWS POLICE TO LAUNCH DRONES OVER LARGE CROWDS SUCH AS FESTIVALS AND PARADES. SENATOR LINDA HOLMES OF AURORA SPONSORED THE MEASURE, CALLING IT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OF HER CAREER.

SENATOR JULIE MORRISON OF LAKE FOREST WAS AT THE PARADE WITH HER FAMILY THAT DAY.

POLICE COULD ALSO USE DRONES TO RESPOND TO A CALL, SO THAT THEY CAN COLLECT REAL-TIME INFORMATION BEFORE THEY ARRIVE ON THE SCENE. THE LAW TAKES EFFECT IMMEDIATELY.