State Senate bill would add prison time for 'nefarious' drone crimes

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — People who use drones to commit crimes could get more time in prison under legislation being considered by a Washington state Senate committee.

In a hearing Tuesday morning, the Senate's Law and Justice Committee discussed the potential roles drones can play in crimes, from casing a house for a robbery to smuggling drugs.

The bill before the committee, sponsored by Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, would allow prosecutors to charge an offender with running a nefarious drone enterprise for any crime in which a drone is used.

If a conviction resulted, the drone allegation would add a year to the sentencing range a judge can consider for the offense.

Four drone-related bills have come before the Legislature so far this year.