Bill > SB0525

This bill expands the exceptions to the prohibited use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, by state departments, agencies, boards, commissions, or their contractors when gathering information about facilities they regulate. Previously, such use was restricted unless the facility owner consented, a search warrant was obtained, or there was an imminent threat to public health or safety. This bill adds exceptions allowing drone use for inspecting roadways, highways, airports, ports, and similar infrastructure, as well as telecommunications tower facilities. It also permits drone use during recovery, assessment, or inspection efforts following a declared state of emergency, disaster, or local emergency, provided the use is limited to assisting in those efforts. The bill also clarifies that if a facility owner consents to drone use under specific conditions related to their own drone operation, the state agency must allow it under their supervision if the quality of information is sufficient, and requires the owner to provide a written statement regarding health and safety reasons for their conditions or refusal. Data collected by drones concerning regulated facilities must be provided to the owner upon request and is presumed not to be subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Importantly, these restrictions do not apply to law enforcement agencies conducting investigations with drones.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0525