Environment
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
StateFloridaIntroduced
HB 359: Search Warrants
Judiciary Committee
HB 359 status: Introduced — Chapter No. 2026-177 (updated Jun 29, 2026).
Source
OpenStates
Confidence
Low
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
01
What this bill does
Official summary alongside an AI-generated read on where it stands and why.
Overall Score
47OUT OF 100
Score:47/100 civic fit
Risk:Moderate Risk
Impact:Moderate Impact 60/100
Constitutionality40%
Bipartisan50%
Public opinion50%
Bill summary
Search Warrants; Authorizes search warrant to be issued to recover deceased body; revises time within which certain search warrants must be returned to court; specifies time period within which search warrant issued for certain devices is considered timely executed; specifies that law enforcement agency may review data or information contained in certain devices after specified periods if devices were timely seized; provides that judge may authorize law enforcement officer applying for search warrant to appear remotely; provides that judge may authorize law enforcement officer applying for search warrant or court order to appear remotely; defines "audio-video communication technology"; authorizes law enforcement agency to obtain search warrant to use drone to conduct search in certain circumstances.
02
Impact analysis
✦ AI analysisModeled effects across six domains, estimated from bill text and comparable legislation.
Economy
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
Society
Mixed / Neutral
40%
Benefits
- Clearer legal frameworks for the recovery of deceased bodies.
- Improved speed and responsiveness in the judicial warrant process.
- Predictable timelines for the execution and return of search warrants.
Risks
- Expanded drone usage increases risk to residential privacy.
- Remote warrant applications may decrease the depth of judicial scrutiny.
- Extended periods for device data retention may lead to over-collection.
Technology Industry
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
Civic Accountability
Mixed / Neutral
45%
Benefits
- Statutory formalization of drone-specific warrant requirements.
- Standardization of audio-video technology use in judicial proceedings.
- Updating of warrant return protocols to fit modern digital contexts.
Risks
- Potential for streamlined processes to reduce thorough vetting.
- Increased discretion for officers in remote warrant applications.
- Risk of judicial rubber-stamping for new surveillance technology.
Public Health & Safety
Mixed / Neutral
55%
Benefits
- Enables faster recovery of human remains to resolve tragic situations.
- Enhances ability of LE to respond to urgent forensic requirements.
- Improves evidence collection capabilities for high-stakes crimes.
Risks
- Public safety risks associated with drone use in residential areas.
- Erosion of public trust due to expanded surveillance powers.
- Risk of evidentiary errors in accelerated digital reviews.
03
How trustworthy & consequential it is
Sourcing already shown above, this is what the analysis found worth flagging.
Source
OpenStates
Official bill text or data from OpenStates.
Confidence
Low
Information is limited or incomplete.
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
Source used for this bill's analysis.
Source note
The authorization of drone searches without specified geographic or situational restrictions presents a potential Fourth Amendment concern.
Analysis scope
Source material is limited to a legislative summary.
04
Where it stands
Official record- IntroducedCurrent
- CommitteeUpcoming
- Chamber votesUpcoming
- Final agreementUpcoming
- GovernorUpcoming
- EnactedUpcoming
05
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06
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