This bill establishes the crime of unlawful operation or use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and outlines the associated penalties. It introduces a new section, RSA 644:23, which categorizes offenses based on the nature of the unlawful operation. A person can be charged with a misdemeanor for a first offense if they operate a small UAS that interferes with law enforcement or emergency operations, while a second or subsequent offense escalates to a felony. Additional penalties include a class A misdemeanor for negligent operation that disrupts manned aircraft, a class B felony for causing damage to such aircraft, and a class A felony for causing a crash resulting in death or serious injury. The bill also specifies penalties for operating a UAS in restricted airspace over correctional facilities or military installations, particularly if intended to deliver contraband or aid in a prison escape.

Furthermore, the bill includes exemptions for law enforcement officers acting within their lawful authority and for public safety bomb squad personnel using UAS for explosive disposal. The effective date for this legislation is set for January 1, 2026. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it may affect the judicial and correctional systems, potentially influencing costs related to prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole for state and local governments.