Bill > H3609

This bill amends Chapter 90 of the General Laws to regulate the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: (1) prohibiting municipalities from enacting their own ordinances regulating UAS/drone operations, except as authorized by federal or state law; (2) prohibiting the operation of UAS/drones in violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, with fines for violations; (3) prohibiting the use of armed or weaponized UAS/drones, with penalties for violations; (4) prohibiting the use of UAS/drones to interfere with manned aircraft or first responders, with penalties for violations; (5) prohibiting the use of UAS/drones for surveillance of individuals or private property without consent, with exceptions for law enforcement with a warrant or in emergency situations; and (6) requiring law enforcement to destroy UAS/drone footage not used as evidence within 120 days, with exceptions.