Bill > SB49

This bill establishes new criminal offenses and penalties for the unlawful operation or use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, at the request of the department of safety. It makes it a misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for subsequent offenses if a drone interferes with emergency operations, flies over military installations, or violates existing laws. The bill also creates penalties for negligently operating a drone in a way that disrupts human-occupied aircraft or airport operations, with increased penalties if damage or injury occurs, including a class B felony if the operation causes a crash resulting in death or serious bodily injury, and a class A felony for such a crash. Furthermore, operating a drone over correctional facilities or military installations with the intent to deliver contraband or aid an escape is a class B felony, and possessing or operating a drone equipped to cause harm or fire projectiles is also a class B felony, with specific exemptions for public safety bomb squads and law enforcement using distraction devices. The bill clarifies that these provisions do not apply to law enforcement officers acting within their lawful authority and will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=931&inflect=2