DRONES AUTHORIZED BY FAA                                                                        S.B. 917:

                                                                                  SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 917 (as introduced 4-26-16)

Sponsor:  Senator Peter MacGregor

Committee:  Transportation

Date Completed:  9-21-16

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Aeronautics Code to provide that a person authorized or licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate unmanned aerial systems could operate such a system in the State if it were operated in a manner consistent with the authorization or licensure.

The bill would define "unmanned aerial system" as an unmanned aircraft and all of the associated support equipment, control station, data links, telemetry, communications, navigation equipment, and other equipment necessary to operate the unmanned aircraft.

"Unmanned aircraft" would mean the flying portion of an unmanned aerial system, flown by a pilot via a ground control system, or autonomously through use of an on-board computer, communication links, and any additional equipment necessary for the unmanned aircraft to operate safely.

The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.

MCL 259.9                                                                 Legislative Analyst:  Suzanne Lowe

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:  Michael Siracuse

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.