This bill proposes significant updates to 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. The bill also reclassifies violations of this prohibition as a class 1 misdemeanor, replacing the previous classification of a class 6 felony for initial violations.

Additionally, the bill defines "ticketed entertainment event" with more stringent criteria, requiring that the event be held in a location with gated entries, that a revocable license is issued for attendance, and that it takes place outdoors, in a venue with a retractable roof, or in a facility with a capacity of at least 1,000 attendees. The bill also makes conforming changes to existing definitions and legal language, ensuring clarity and consistency in the application of these new regulations.

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