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 use. A person can be charged with a misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for subsequent offenses if they operate a small UAS that interferes with law enforcement or emergency operations, or violates existing laws. Additionally, the bill specifies penalties for negligent operation that disrupts manned aircraft, with escalating charges based on the severity of the consequences, including damage or injury resulting from a crash.

The bill also includes provisions for operating a small UAS in restricted airspace over correctional facilities or military installations, with harsher penalties for those attempting to deliver contraband or aid in prisoner escapes. It exempts certain public safety personnel from specific provisions when using UAS for legitimate purposes, such as bomb disposal. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local governments due to potential changes in judicial and correctional costs.