The bill establishes the crime of and penalties for the unlawful use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. It introduces a new section, RSA 644:23, which outlines various offenses and their corresponding penalties. A person is guilty of a violation for a first offense and a misdemeanor for subsequent offenses if they operate a small UAS in contravention of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. More severe penalties are imposed for negligent operation that interferes with manned aircraft, with escalating consequences if such interference results in damage, a crash, death, or serious bodily injury. Additionally, operating a small UAS in restricted airspace over correctional facilities is a misdemeanor, becoming a class B felony if done to deliver contraband or aid an escape.

The bill also criminalizes the possession or operation of a small UAS equipped with a device capable of causing harm or property damage, classifying it as a class B felony, with exemptions for public safety bomb squad personnel and law enforcement officers using drones for specific purposes. Amendments to RSA 422:28 and RSA 422:29 incorporate these offenses and penalties into existing law. The fiscal note indicates that there is no direct financial impact on state, county, or local revenues or expenditures, but acknowledges that the bill may affect the judicial and correctional systems, potentially influencing prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole costs. The effective date of the act is January 1, 2025. The fiscal note also mentions that deletions have been made, but the specific text of these deletions is not provided in the summary.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 422:28, 422:29