What's happening
This bill bans private drone use within 1,000 feet of correctional facilities, with exceptions for federally authorized commercial operators.
Why it matters
Targets a growing security risk. By prohibiting private drone use near correctional facilities, the bill aims to address concerns about drones being used to smuggle contraband (such as drugs, weapons, or phones) or gather intelligence for escape attempts.
Defines “drone” broadly. The bill’s definition encompasses not only typical quadcopters but also unpowered aerial vehicles, balloons, and any device capable of surveillance, communication interception, or payload delivery—closing potential loopholes.
Establishes escalating penalties. The proposed law introduces a $1,000 civil fine for a first offense and upgrades further violations to misdemeanors, signaling a strong deterrent intended to discourage repeat offenders.
Allows federally authorized commercial activity. The exception for FAA-authorized commercial operators recognizes legitimate uses (such as infrastructure inspection or news gathering), preventing unnecessary disruption to regulated industries while maintaining security.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Drones Near Prisons
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to correction
- Referred to correction
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.
Ban Drones Near Prisons
In Senate Committee · Crime Victims, Crime And Correction · Sponsor Patty Ritchie
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1600
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 15, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ABINANTI, BUCHWALD, MOSLEY, SCHIMMINGER, GALEF, D'URSO, ORTIZ, GOTTFRIED, MONTESANO, CROUCH, DILAN, JONES -- read once and referred to the Committee on Correction
AN ACT to amend the correction law, in relation to civilian drone use near a correctional facility
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The correction law is amended by adding a new section 626 to read as follows:
§ 626. Drone use around correctional facilities. 1. No person, in a private capacity, shall operate a drone within one thousand feet of a correctional facility or local correctional facility in this state.
2. As used in this section:
"Drone" means a powered or unpowered aerial vehicle or a balloon float or other device that:
(a) does not carry a human operator;
(b) uses aerodynamic forces or gases to provide lift;
(c) can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely;
(d) can be expendable or recoverable;
(e) captures images of objects or people on the ground and in the air;
(f) intercepts communications on the ground and in the air; and/or
(g) can carry a lethal or non-lethal payload.
3. A violation of this section shall result in a civil penalty of one thousand dollars for the first offense and a misdemeanor for each subsequent offense.
4. This section shall not apply to the operation of a drone by any person or entity that the federal aviation administration has authorized to operate a drone for a commercial purpose, where the drone is operated in a manner that complies with that authorization.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03925-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.