This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding the operation of unmanned aircraft near school instructional areas. Under the new law, it would be unlawful for a person to operate or use an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to intentionally photograph or loiter over areas within 100 feet of, or above, non-residential zones used for instructing students in kindergarten through 12th grade, unless the operator has legal authority or administrative oversight, or obtains consent from someone with such authority. This insertion updates the existing law to clarify the conditions under which unmanned aircraft can be operated near schools.

Additionally, the bill reclassifies violations of this new prohibition as a class 1 misdemeanor, replacing the previous classification of a class 6 felony for initial violations. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to the definition of "model aircraft," aligning it with federal definitions while removing outdated language. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the protection of school environments from unauthorized drone activity.

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