The bill amends existing laws regarding the use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) over farm properties in Iowa. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "farm animal," "farm commodity," "farm crop," "farm equipment," "farm structure," "farmer," and "farmstead," which collectively establish a clearer framework for what constitutes a farm and its associated properties. The bill replaces the term "secure farmstead area" with "farmstead," defining it as real property consisting of at least forty contiguous acres used for farming, owned or leased by a farmer, and generating a minimum of $15,000 from farm commodity sales in the previous year. It also establishes a secured area of 400 feet surrounding farm animals, equipment, or structures, prohibiting RPAs from entering this space, except under certain exceptions.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing criminal offenses and penalties related to the intrusion and surveillance of RPAs over farm properties, ensuring that the same protections apply to both homesteads and farmsteads. It allows owners or lessees of these properties to petition the district court for injunctive relief against unauthorized RPA use. The penalties for violations remain consistent with current law, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the protection of agricultural properties from unauthorized aerial surveillance and intrusion.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 715E.1, 459.102, 715E.3, 715E.4, 715E.5, 715E.6