Bill > A04944

This bill creates new legal restrictions on operating unmanned aircraft (drones) over school grounds and critical infrastructure, aimed at protecting safety and privacy. The legislation defines "uncrewed aircraft" as aircraft operated without direct human intervention and specifies "critical infrastructure" as including facilities like power plants, refineries, pipelines, water treatment facilities, and other enclosed or clearly marked sites. Under the bill, it is illegal to deliberately hover a drone below 250 feet over school grounds or critical infrastructure, or to make contact with these areas. Exceptions are made for government agencies, law enforcement, entities with prior written consent, and drones traversing over 250 feet without hovering. Violations are classified as a class B misdemeanor for the first offense and a class A misdemeanor for subsequent offenses. The bill's intent is to prevent potential surveillance risks and protect sensitive locations from unauthorized drone activity, while still allowing legitimate aerial transit. The law will take effect on the first of November following its passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4944