Bill > SF741

This bill modifies existing Minnesota law to allow hunters with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remote pilot certificate to use small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to locate and retrieve deceased big game, starting January 1, 2027. Currently, the law prohibits remotely controlling weapons to hunt animals, but this bill creates a specific exception for using drones to find and recover already deceased animals. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner of natural resources to develop comprehensive recommendations by January 1, 2026, regarding the use of unmanned aircraft for this purpose. These recommendations must address several key areas including pilot licensure, insurance requirements, equipment standards, potential administrative fees, and ensuring respect for property owners' rights. The commissioner must report these findings to legislative committee chairs, providing a framework for potentially expanding the use of drones in wildlife management and recovery efforts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0741&ssn=0&y=2025