Bill > HB2277

This bill amends Arizona law to expand qualified immunity protections for public entities and employees specifically related to unmanned aircraft (drones) operations near the state's international border. The bill adds a new provision to existing law that shields public entities and employees from liability when peace officers intercept, capture, disable, shoot, destroy, or render inoperative an unmanned aircraft within 30 miles of the state's border. The bill defines key terms such as "unmanned aircraft" (using the definition from another existing statute) and "unmanned aircraft operator," which includes not just the person directly operating the drone but also its owner and anyone acting in concert with the operator. The immunity applies as long as the public employee was not intentionally trying to cause injury and was not grossly negligent. This protection extends to contractors working for public entities as well, though it does not protect the contractors themselves. The bill appears aimed at providing legal cover for law enforcement actions against drones near the border, potentially in response to concerns about surveillance, smuggling, or other border security issues.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82037