Bill > HB2587

This bill modifies laws concerning the use of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, by law enforcement. It expands the definition of unlawful drone operation to include flying over "critical infrastructure facilities," which are defined by referencing another existing law (section 569.086) and generally refer to essential facilities like power plants or water treatment plants, in addition to the existing restrictions on "open-air facilities" like stadiums with a capacity of five hundred or more people. The bill clarifies exceptions for facility owners, operators, and those with written consent, as well as for law enforcement, emergency services, government officials, public utilities, and railroads performing official duties. It also establishes penalties for unlawful drone use, ranging from an infraction to a felony if the drone is used to deliver dangerous items or controlled substances. Crucially, the bill empowers "authorized individuals," defined as certified peace officers, to "mitigate" threats posed by drones, which includes detecting, warning, disrupting control, seizing, or disabling drones, provided it's done to the greatest extent permissible under federal law and without jamming signals. This mitigation authority is intended to address credible threats to public safety, critical infrastructure, and correctional facilities, and any seized drones may be subject to forfeiture.