Bill > H1585

This bill amends Chapter 269 of the Massachusetts General Laws to establish legal penalties for interfering with aircraft using laser pointers or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with specific definitions and graduated consequences. The legislation defines a laser pointer as a device that emits a focused electromagnetic radiation beam intended to highlight or point at specific objects, and an unmanned aerial vehicle as an aircraft operated without direct human intervention. The bill creates two levels of offense: a less serious violation involving aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft or its flight path, which carries a fine up to $1,500, and a more serious violation that causes significant disruption to aircraft safety, punishable by a fine up to $5,000, up to 5 years in state prison, or both. The bill includes several important exceptions that allow laser use by authorized entities like aircraft manufacturers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and individuals using laser emergency signaling devices, provided they have obtained proper FAA review and approval. Additionally, the bill stipulates that all UAV operations must comply with FAA requirements and guidelines, ensuring that the regulation aligns with broader federal aviation safety standards.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1585