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Who cares
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Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Criminalizes the unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft
In Assembly Committee · Codes · Sponsor Kenneth Zebrowski
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the penal law, in relation to unlawful use of a drone
Purpose
This bill creates the crime of unlawful use of a drone.
Summary of provisions
Section one of the bill amends section 240.00 of the penal as it relates to the definitions of drone, restricted airspace and personal use.
Section two of the bill amends the penal law by adding a new section 240.80 as it relates to creating the crime of unlawful use of a drone. During personal use, an individual is guilty of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft when operating an aircraft more than 400 feet above ground level or weighing more than 10 pounds. In addition, an individual is guilty of unlawful use if an unmanned aircraft is used without a visual line of sight, within a restricted airspace, in a reckless manner, in a manner intended to harass or annoy, or below one hundred feet above ground level on private property without the owner's consent. Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft is a violation.
Section three of the bill relates to the effective date.
Justification
This bill would provide reasonable regulations for the personal use of drones. Currently, the FAA has banned commercial use of drones as it develops guidelines which are expected to be released at the end of 2015. Although commercial operations are regulated, the FAA does not govern recreational drone use therefore leaving it wholly unregulated and susceptible to reckless use by civilians. There have been many instances over the past several months of drones flown irresponsibly in close proximity to airports and bridges. This bill would ensure safe and proper use of drones by establishing reasonable restrictions that protect the public.
Legislative history
New Bill.
Fiscal implications
None to the state.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date upon which it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.