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 users, during ski season at Cannon Mountain, 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 operators, allowing the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to charge up to $25 per day for drone use, with fines for violations reaching up to $300. Notably, the bill includes provisions for fines related to the failure to retrieve drones, which can be up to $100. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it is unclear how many commercial operators will utilize the parks or how many violations may occur. The Department anticipates potential revenue from fees and fines, but also notes possible decreases in park visitation due to concerns over noise, safety, and privacy.