Bill > S2249

This bill, titled the Drone Operator Safety Act, proposes to amend federal law to establish criminal penalties for the unsafe operation of unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drones. It defines "unmanned aircraft" by referencing existing law from the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. The core provision creates a new offense for operating a drone in a way that interferes with or disrupts the operation of an aircraft carrying people within U.S. airspace. Penalties for this offense include fines and imprisonment, with more severe consequences, including life imprisonment, if the operation causes serious bodily injury or death. The bill also specifically designates operating a drone within an airport's flight path without permission as a violation.