Bill > S2438

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, in Massachusetts. The legislation defines key terms such as "operate" and "unmanned aerial vehicle" (UAV), and specifies that municipalities cannot create their own local regulations about drone usage beyond federal guidelines. The bill prohibits operating drones in ways that violate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, with fines up to $100 for violations. Critically, the bill bans arming drones with weapons capable of causing serious injury or death, with penalties of up to $2,000 and potential imprisonment. The legislation also restricts drone usage near airports and during emergency responses, making it illegal to interfere with manned aircraft or impede first responders, with escalating fines and potential imprisonment depending on the severity of the interference. Additionally, the bill establishes strict privacy protections, making it unlawful to conduct surveillance of individuals or private property without consent, though it provides specific exceptions for law enforcement under certain circumstances like obtaining a search warrant or responding to terrorist threats. The bill also mandates that law enforcement agencies must delete drone-captured images and data within 120 days unless they are relevant to an ongoing investigation, ensuring protection of individual privacy rights.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2438