Bill > HB1101

This bill establishes a new criminal offense in Missouri related to the improper use of unmanned aircraft (drones) near sensitive locations such as crime scenes, critical incidents, law enforcement operations, or hazardous material sites. Specifically, it makes it illegal to operate a drone within 400 vertical feet or 500 horizontal feet of these areas, or to allow a drone to make contact with the site or people/objects within it. The bill defines a "critical incident" as any unusual event that threatens loss of life, injury, or severe property damage, and a "hazardous material site" as a location storing substances that pose unreasonable risks to health and safety. However, the law provides several exceptions, including operations with written consent, use by law enforcement, emergency services, government officials, public utilities, railroad employees, and those with specific FAA waivers. Violations of this provision would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which in Missouri can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine. The bill aims to protect the safety and privacy of emergency responders, victims, and sensitive sites by restricting unauthorized drone use in critical situations.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1101&year=2025&code=R