UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS ACT                                                                   S.B. 992:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 992 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Senator Peter MacGregor

Committee:  Transportation

CONTENT

The bill would enact the "Unmanned Aerial Systems Act" to do the following:

-- Allow a person to operate an unmanned aerial system in the State if the person were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate unmanned aerial systems for commercial purposes, and operated the system in a manner consistent with the authorization.

-- Permit a person whose unmanned aerial system was registered by the FAA for recreational purposes to operate the system in the manner required by law for the operation of a model aircraft.

-- Prohibit certain activities involving the use of an unmanned aerial system, and prescribe a misdemeanor penalty for a violation.

-- Prohibit a political subdivision from enacting an ordinance or resolution regulating the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft or otherwise regulating ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft.

-- Allow a political subdivision to promulgate rules, regulations, and ordinances for the use of unmanned aerial systems within the boundaries of the political subdivision.

"Unmanned aerial 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 the flying portion of an unmanned aerial system, flown by a 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 no fiscal impact on the State and an indeterminate fiscal impact on local government. 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:  10-5-16                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

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.