Bill
Bill > HB58
GA HB58
GA HB58Aviation; adoption of local ordinances, resolution, regulations, or policies that restrict the flight of unmanned aircraft systems over mass public gatherings; authorize
summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
03/18/2025
03/18/2025
Crossed Over
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
Passed
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to aviation, so as to prohibit certain actions by operators of unmanned aircraft systems; to provide for a penalty; to provide for applicability; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill amends Georgia state law to regulate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, by introducing new restrictions and definitions. Specifically, the bill defines a "ticketed entertainment event" as a gated event requiring a revocable license for attendance and establishes that it is unlawful to operate a drone within 400 feet of or above such an event, with violations punishable as a misdemeanor. However, the bill provides several exceptions to this prohibition, including when the drone operator has consent from event authorities, is operating under federal regulations, is an employee conducting official business, or is a property owner operating a drone over their own property in a manner consistent with federal regulations. The bill also maintains a statewide preemption of local drone regulations, meaning that counties and municipalities cannot create their own drone ordinances except in very limited circumstances, such as enforcing FAA restrictions or regulating drone launches from public property. The goal appears to be creating a consistent, state-level approach to drone operations, particularly near large public gatherings, while preserving some flexibility for specific use cases.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (7)
Rob Clifton (R)*,
Clint Crowe (R)*,
Rob Leverett (R)*,
Mark Newton (R)*,
Gary Richardson (R)*,
Brad Thomas (R)*,
Matt Brass (R),
Last Action
Effective Date 2025-04-01 (on 04/01/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69356 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/238530 |
| Sen Floor Amend 1 AM 39 0468 | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/238422 |
| Sen Floor Amend 1A | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/238428 |
| Floor Amendment AM 39 0466 | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/237684 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/236086 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/233396 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/232369 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/229924 |
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