Bill > H0522

This bill establishes new provisions for unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, operating near Department of Correction facilities in Idaho. It defines "mitigation measures" as actions like jamming to disable drones used for illegal or harmful purposes, such as smuggling contraband or spying. "Nefarious manner" describes such illegal or dangerous drone use, and "restricted airspace" is defined as the area from the ground up to 400 feet above a correctional facility. The bill allows the Department of Correction or law enforcement to use reasonable and necessary mitigation measures, including detection, tracking, disabling through jamming or hacking, or physical capture, if there's reasonable suspicion a drone is being used nefariously within this restricted airspace. The department will be required to post "Drone No Fly Zone" signs near facilities, and operators will be responsible for knowing these restrictions, with ignorance not being a defense. Operating a drone within this restricted airspace is declared a misdemeanor, punishable by fines of $2,000 to $5,000, up to one year in jail, and forfeiture of the drone. The bill also declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Justice

Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0522/