(Source: MIRS.news, Published 08/05/2024) LOUISVILLE - While some states are limiting "geofencing" technology, or the use of global positioning system (GPS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) to create virtual geographic boundaries, others have begun implementing the technology to further protect and secure their capitol buildings.  

John Maulin, the principal architect for design firm CSHQA, told National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) attendees on Monday that multiple states have implemented geofencing technology to protect their capitol buildings from unauthorized drones flying overhead, though he declined to say which.  

Maulin explained that geofencing can be used to create a "virtual boundary" for state capitol buildings that alerts capitol security if someone is trying to fly a drone over the perimeter. These drones could be used to deliver explosive devices, he said.  

The geofencing technology can then be paired with artificial intelligence (AI) and anti-drone technology to take down the drones, Maulin said.  

When asked how many states have implemented this geofencing technology, Maulin said he didn't "really want to rat out anybody," but confirmed that California has a system being implemented, "and it has a lot to do with just making sure that people can't get to the building from higher up."  

There isn't a publicly available database on how many states currently employ geofencing technology to protect their state capitols, and according to regulatory research software DataGuidance, no federal standard exists for regulating the collection, use or disclosure of geofencing technology data. 

The technology has been viewed by some as controversial when used by law enforcement to issue "geofence warrants," and as of 2023, five states - Connecticut, New York, Nevada, Utah and Washington - had enacted geofence technology laws to limit its use in some instances. 

Connecticut, New York, Nevada and Washington passed legislation making it illegal to use some types of geofencing within a certain distance of health care facilities. Connecticut banned any use within 1,750 feet of a mental health or reproductive health facility, and New York banned its use around any healthcare facility.  

Utah prohibited law enforcement from obtaining location information within a geofence unless the agency obtains a warrant and checks off other metrics, like proving the potential for public harm.  

Other states with licensed gambling and sports betting have required geofences to ensure that bets are only placed by individuals physically located in that state. 

In addition to geofencing, Maulin highlighted the use of AI-driven weapons detection technology, which uses high resolution cameras, something Michigan voted to implement back in October 2023 in the form of ZeroEyes AI gun detection technology.  

"AI-driven high-definition cameras can pick up a lot more today than a human eyeball can watching 15 screens," he said.