The proposed bill, Substitute House Bill No. 6289, aims to authorize the use of precision drones for the analysis, treatment, and application of fertilizers and pesticides to crops. It mandates that the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) commissioner amend existing regulations by March 1, 2026, to allow licensed commercial or private pesticide applicators, who are also certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate precision drones, to utilize these drones for planting seeds and applying agricultural substances. The bill repeals and replaces subsection (e) of section 22a-54 of the general statutes, which previously governed the certification of aircraft applicators, and introduces new provisions regarding the use of drones in agricultural applications.

Key changes in the bill include the deletion of certain regulatory language and the insertion of new requirements for drone usage. Specifically, the bill removes the previous stipulations regarding aircraft certification and introduces a framework for the use of precision drones, including the requirement for FAA licensing. Additionally, it allows the commissioner to establish regulations concerning the types of drones used, operational hours, weather conditions, and insurance requirements. The bill also emphasizes the need for public health considerations, particularly in cases where aerial pesticide application is necessary to control vectors of human disease. Overall, the bill seeks to modernize agricultural practices while ensuring safety and compliance with public health standards.