Bill > HB19

This bill amends Kentucky law regarding unmanned aircraft systems (drones), providing clear definitions and guidelines for their use while protecting individual privacy rights. The bill defines key terms like "communications service" and "surveillance" and establishes specific conditions under which drones can be legally operated by businesses, recreational users, and government agencies. Important provisions include allowing drone use for purposes such as property assessment, utility monitoring, aerial mapping, insurance investigations, and educational research, while prohibiting surveillance of private property without consent. The bill creates a civil action mechanism that allows property owners to sue individuals or entities that violate privacy protections, with potential remedies including injunctive relief, actual and punitive damages, court costs, and attorney's fees. Violations of drone usage restrictions can result in penalties ranging from a violation to a Class B misdemeanor. Notably, the bill establishes a presumption of privacy for individuals on privately owned property not observable from ground level, and sets a seven-year statute of limitations for filing privacy-related drone use lawsuits. The legislation aims to balance technological innovation with personal privacy protection by providing clear, comprehensive guidelines for drone operation in Kentucky.