The bill amends Chapter 90 of the General Laws to establish regulations regarding the operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), commonly known as drones. It defines key terms related to UAS and UAV operations and prohibits municipalities from enacting their own regulations unless authorized by federal guidelines. The bill outlines various offenses related to the operation of UAVs, including violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, operating armed drones, interfering with manned aircraft, and conducting unauthorized surveillance on private property. Penalties for these offenses range from fines to imprisonment, with specific provisions for law enforcement exemptions and the handling of captured data.

Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement agencies must permanently erase or destroy any images, footage, data, or recordings obtained from UAS or UAV operations within 120 days, unless such information is tied to an ongoing investigation or judicial proceeding. The legislation also includes a clause ensuring that if any part of the section is deemed unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder will still remain in effect. Overall, the bill aims to regulate drone usage while balancing public safety and privacy concerns.