This bill amends RSA 216-A to permit the use of drones or small unmanned aircraft in state parks for both commercial and recreational purposes, contingent upon certain conditions. Operators must possess either a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 14 C.F.R. Part 107 certificate or have passed the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). The bill outlines specific exceptions where drone operation is prohibited, including interference with park enjoyment, within the Cannon Mountain ski area during ski season, and at Flume Gorge from May to October. Additionally, the commissioner has the authority to waive these exceptions for good cause. Operators are held liable for any damages caused by their drones and must retrieve drones that land in state parks, with a potential retrieval fee of up to $100.

The bill also establishes a fee structure for commercial drone operations, allowing the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to charge up to $25 per day for commercial use and fines for violations, which can reach up to $300. A specific fine of $100 is imposed for failure to retrieve a landed drone. The collected fines will contribute to the state park fund. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and its fiscal impact is currently indeterminable, as it is unclear how many commercial operators will utilize the parks or how many violations may occur.