BL2026-1498

Bill

This ordinance tightens the rules around how Nashville police can use drones and surveillance technology, requiring Metro Council approval for any ongoing or pilot programs rather than letting them slip through as temporary law enforcement exceptions. A drone-as-first-responder program is allowed, but only for specific emergencies like active shooters, hostage situations, and missing persons searches, and drone cameras must be turned off unless the drone is on the scene of the call it was sent to. The ordinance also bans facial recognition technology and prohibits drones operated by outside contractors or run autonomously on the city's behalf.

Passed 27–3 · Sep 1, 2026 · Introduced Jul 28, 2026 · View on Legistar

Sponsors

Vote history

Passed on third reading

· Sep 1, 2026Passed27–3
YesZulfat SuaraDelishia PorterfieldQuin Evans-SegallBurkley AllenOlivia HillJoy Smith KimbroughKyonzte ToombsJennifer GambleMike CorteseSean ParkerClay CappEmily BenedictDeonte HarrellErin EvansJordan HuffmanJeff GreggTerry VoTom CashThom DruffelJeff PreptitBob NashDavid BentonTasha EllisJohn RutherfordAntoinette LeeSandy EwingJason SpainNoTonya HancockJennifer WebbJeff EslickAbsentRuss BradfordGinny WelschJacob KupinRollin HortonBrandon TaylorSheri WeinerBrenda GaddCourtney JohnstonSandra SepulvedaAbstainJoy Styles

Timeline

  1. Passed on first reading

    Aug 4, 2026 · Metro Council

  2. Passed on second reading as amended

    Aug 18, 2026 · Metro Council · Voice vote

    Watch the debate (10 min)

  3. Passed on third reading

    Sep 1, 2026 · Metro Council · 27–3

    Watch the debate (4 min)

As filed on Legistar

An ordinance amending Section 13.08.080 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws relative to the use of drones as first responder programs, unmanned aircraft systems and surveillance technology.

Attachments

PDFSubstitute BL2026-1498
PDFProposed Amendment - BL2026-1498 - Kupin
PDFAmendment No. 1 to BL2026-1498

Data sourced from Nashville Metro Council Legistar. Last updated: September 8, 2026