The proposed legislation, known as the Drone Regulation Over Alabama Prisons Act, seeks to establish new regulations regarding the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over Department of Corrections facilities in Alabama. It introduces Article 6 to Chapter 7 of Title 13A of the Code of Alabama 1975, which makes it unlawful for individuals to operate UAS within 500 feet horizontally or 200 feet vertically from a facility, or to conduct surveillance or record images of such facilities. Exceptions are provided for authorized personnel, including the Alabama Department of Corrections, federal agencies, and certain contractors with prior permission. Violations of these provisions are classified as Class C felonies, carrying a minimum fine of $2,500 and a mandatory 30-day imprisonment.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the introduction of contraband into facilities via UAS and the introduction of any individual component of a UAS into a facility. Similar penalties apply for these offenses. The legislation also allows the Department of Corrections to confiscate UAS and any associated contraband, which are subject to civil forfeiture. The Commissioner of the Department of Corrections is tasked with adopting necessary regulations for the implementation of this article. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2024, and while it may require increased local funding, it is exempt from certain constitutional requirements due to its focus on defining new crimes.

Statutes affected:
Enrolled: 13A-7-90