Bill > HB201

This bill establishes new regulations for unmanned aircraft systems (drones) near public schools and expands existing laws about drone usage around correctional facilities. Specifically, the bill prohibits operating a drone within 500 horizontal feet or 400 vertical feet of a public school without the school administrator's consent, making such an action a Class C misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill makes it a Class A misdemeanor to photograph or electronically record a public school using a drone within these proximity limits. The legislation also creates a broader privacy protection provision, making it a Class A misdemeanor to use a drone to observe an individual in a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is defined as including a person's dwelling and fenced yard but explicitly excluding public spaces like parks and sidewalks. The bill also amends existing drone-related laws by updating definitions, adjusting distance restrictions around correctional facilities, and specifying exceptions for authorized users such as corrections departments, law enforcement, and military personnel. The new regulations will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing time for public awareness and compliance preparation.

Justice

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