Bill > H1688

This bill adds a new section to Massachusetts law that establishes penalties for specific unauthorized uses of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are defined as aircraft operated without direct human intervention. The bill defines "critical infrastructure facilities" as specific types of enclosed or clearly marked industrial, utility, transportation, and public safety facilities. The legislation creates three key criminal offenses: (1) weaponizing or operating a weaponized UAV, which carries the most severe penalty of 3-20 years in state prison or 6 months to 2.5 years in house of correction, and/or a fine of $1,000-$50,000; (2) using a UAV to photograph or surveil an individual in a private setting without their consent, punishable by up to 2.5 years in house of correction and/or a fine up to $5,000; and (3) using a UAV to photograph or surveil a critical infrastructure facility without authorization, also punishable by up to 2.5 years in house of correction and/or a fine up to $5,000. The bill aims to protect individual privacy and prevent potential security threats by regulating the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in sensitive or personal contexts.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1688