Bill > SB519

This bill establishes a new legal framework for regulating the use of small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to protect individual privacy. The bill defines key terms such as "surveillance" as the observation of persons or property with enough clarity to gather identifying information, and creates strict limitations on drone usage over private property. Specifically, it prohibits operating a drone with an imaging device to conduct surveillance over private property without the property owner's written consent, particularly in locations where an individual cannot be observed from a public ground-level position. The bill provides several important exceptions to this rule, including for law enforcement activities conducted under a valid warrant, during imminent danger situations, in counter-terrorism operations, for utility inspections, licensed business operations, property tax appraisals, and environmental emergency assessments. If someone violates these privacy protections, the bill allows affected individuals to bring a civil action seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief, and potentially recover attorney's fees. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and is expected to have a minimal fiscal impact of less than $10,000 annually. The bill also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the law is found invalid, the remaining provisions can still be enforced.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1264&inflect=2