Bill > S797

Introduced Session

This bill requires certain unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as drones, to contain geo-fencing technology and makes a violation of this provision a fourth degree crime. Specifically, every drone that is sold to or operated by a private individual or business entity in this State is required to contain geo-fencing technology that prevents the drone from flying above 500 feet and within two miles of an airport or protected airspace. Protected airspace includes, but is not limited to, a stadium with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more people during a regular or post season Major League Baseball game, National Football League game, National Collegiate Athletic Association Division One football game, or a major motor speedway event. These provisions do not apply to: 1) members of a law enforcement agency; fire department; State, county, or municipal Office of Emergency Management; the Armed Forces of the United States; or the National Guard, while in the performance of official duties; or 2) private individuals or business entities that have received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate a drone pursuant to the "FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012," provided the operation of the drone complies with any operating conditions or limitations imposed by the FAA. Geo-fencing is a feature in a software program that uses the global positioning system or radio frequency identification to define geographical boundaries. A geo-fence is a virtual barrier. This bill provides that a person who sells or operates a drone that does not contain the required geo-fencing technology is guilty of a fourth degree crime. A fourth degree crime is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Richard Codey (D)*,  Nicholas Sacco (D)*,  Linda Greenstein (D), 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/09/2018)