This bill amends RSA 644:23 to introduce new prohibitions regarding the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (drones). Specifically, it establishes that a person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor if they knowingly use a drone to fly over any sporting event, concert, automobile race, festival, or similar gathering without prior authorization. Additionally, it criminalizes the use of drones over critical infrastructure—defined to include facilities such as petroleum refineries, chemical storage facilities, electric substations, military facilities, and public safety buildings—without prior authorization.

The bill does not delete any existing legal language but adds two new paragraphs (VIII and IX) to the current law, outlining these offenses. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027. 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 the state and local governments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 644:23
HB1291 text: 644:23