Bill > SB493

This bill establishes a new criminal offense of trespassing by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) in Montana, making it illegal to fly a drone 200 feet or lower over someone else's property or residence without authorization, with a fine of $500 for violation. The bill provides several important exceptions to this rule, including operations by government agencies for public safety purposes, actions by peace officers, drone use within authorized easements, utility or broadband service providers inspecting property or infrastructure, and drone operations by owners with valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licenses conducting legitimate business purposes consistent with federal regulations. The bill defines "unmanned aerial vehicle" by referencing an existing state statute and is intended to be codified as part of Montana's criminal trespass laws. The legislation would become effective immediately upon passage and approval, providing a legal framework to address potential privacy and property invasion concerns related to drone usage.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1023