What's happening
This bill makes it a violation to use or operate a drone in New York in a reckless or federally prohibited manner.
Why it matters
Establishes clear state-level accountability. By making reckless or federally prohibited drone operation a specific violation under New York law, this bill gives local law enforcement explicit authority to respond to unsafe or illegal drone activity, instead of relying solely on federal enforcement.
Defines "unmanned aircraft" in state law. The bill creates a legal definition for drones, which can help courts and law enforcement consistently interpret what types of devices are covered, reducing ambiguity in prosecutions and enhancing regulatory clarity.
Addresses public safety and privacy concerns. By targeting reckless operation and violations of federal rules, the bill aims to reduce risks such as drone-related accidents, invasions of privacy, and interference with emergency services or critical infrastructure within the state.
Closes enforcement gaps. The bill ensures that even if federal authorities choose not to prosecute minor or local drone violations, state and local officials have the tools to act, potentially deterring dangerous or irresponsible drone use in New York communities.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Personal drone operators
The bill would make intentionally operating a drone in violation of federal aviation rules or recklessly endangering another person or their property a state-level violation, except as otherwise provided by federal law.
Police and prosecutors
The bill would create a Penal Law violation for specified unlawful or reckless drone operations during personal use.
People and property owners endangered by drones
The bill would prohibit reckless personal drone operation that endangers another person's life, safety or property.
Headline styles
Ban Reckless Drone Use
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Ordered to third reading cal.86
- Amended on third reading 1881a
- Advanced to third reading cal.282
- Reported
- 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.
Ban Reckless Drone Use
In Senate Committee · Codes · Sponsor James Sanders Jr.
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1881--A Cal. No. 282
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 17, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ZEBROWSKI -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes -- reported from committee, advanced to a third reading, amended and ordered reprinted, retaining its place on the order of third reading
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to the unlawful use or operation of an unmanned aircraft
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 240.00 of the penal law is amended by adding a new subdivision 8 to read as follows:
8. "Unmanned aircraft" means a device used for flight in the air which is operated remotely without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
§ 2. The penal law is amended by adding a new section 240.80 to read as follows: § 240.80 Unlawful use or operation of an unmanned aircraft.
A person is guilty of unlawful use or operation of an unmanned aircraft when during the personal use or operation of such aircraft, except as otherwise provided by federal law, he or she intentionally operates an unmanned aircraft:
1. in violation of federal laws or regulations of the United States department of transportation and the federal aviation administration (FAA) or successors thereof; or
2. in a reckless manner so as to endanger the life or safety of another person or property of a person.
Unlawful use or operation of an unmanned aircraft is a violation.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06149-04-9
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.