UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS ACT S.B. 992 (S-2):
SUMMARY OF BILL
ON THIRD READING
Senate Bill 992 (Substitute S-2 as reported by the Committee of the Whole)
Sponsor: Senator Peter MacGregor
CONTENT
The bill would enact the "Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act" to do the following:
-- Allow a person to operate an unmanned aircraft system in the State if the person were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate unmanned aircraft systems for commercial purposes, and operated the system in a manner consistent with Federal law.
-- Permit a person to operate an unmanned aircraft system in the State for recreational purposes if the system were operated in a manner consistent with Federal law for the operation of a model aircraft.
-- Prohibit certain activities involving the use of an unmanned aircraft system, and prescribe a misdemeanor penalty for a violation.
-- Prohibit a political subdivision from regulating the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft, but allow a political subdivision to regulate the use of unmanned aircraft systems within the boundaries of the political subdivision.
-- Create the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force to develop statewide policy recommendations on the operation, use, and regulation of unmanned aircraft systems.
-- Require the Task Force, within three months after its first meeting, to report to the Governor and the House and Senate committees that deal with transportation issues.
"Unmanned aircraft system" would mean 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 an aircraft flown by a remote pilot via a ground control system, or autonomously through the use of an on-board computer, communication links, and any additional equipment that is necessary for the unmanned aircraft to operate safely.
Legislative Analyst: Drew Krogulecki
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on State and local government.
The bill would create a minimal, indeterminate cost to the Department of Transportation for the administration of the Task Force and production of its report. It is likely that these costs would be absorbed by the Department. An increase in misdemeanor arrests and prosecutions could increase resource demands on law enforcement, court systems, and jails. Any increased fine revenue would be dedicated to public libraries.
Date Completed: 10-19-16 Fiscal Analyst: Ryan Bergan
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.