The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the operation of civil unmanned aircraft near ticketed entertainment events. Under the new law, it would be unlawful for a person to intentionally operate a civil unmanned aircraft within 5,280 feet of or above such events, unless they meet specific exemptions, including obtaining written consent from the event's legal authority, being an employee conducting official business, or operating the aircraft above their own private property in compliance with federal law. Violations of this prohibition would be classified as a class 1 misdemeanor, a change from the current classification of a class 6 felony for initial violations.

Additionally, the bill introduces a detailed definition of a "ticketed entertainment event," specifying that it must be held in a location with restricted access, have evidence of right of entry issued by the property owner, and take place outdoors or in a venue with a retractable roof or a capacity of at least 1,000 attendees. The bill also exempts city, town, county, or state employees acting in their official capacity from the prohibition on operating unmanned aircraft, thereby updating the existing legal framework to better regulate drone usage in relation to large public events.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-3729
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-3729
House Engrossed Version: 13-3729
Chaptered Version: 13-3729