Senate Bill 519 aims to expand the current regulations regarding the operation of drones over school properties in Wisconsin. The bill prohibits the operation of drones over public, private, or tribal school properties unless authorized by the respective school board or governing body, or for specific purposes directed by a public protective services agency. These purposes include assisting in active search and rescue operations, locating escaped prisoners, surveilling locations for arrest warrants, or preventing imminent danger or destruction of evidence. The penalty for violating this prohibition is a forfeiture of up to $5,000, consistent with existing penalties for drone operations over correctional institutions.

The bill also includes several amendments to the existing statutes. It renumbers and amends sections related to drone operations, clarifying definitions for terms such as "private school," "public school," and "tribal school." Additionally, it specifies the procedures for law enforcement officers investigating violations, including the seizure and transfer of any drone-recorded data. The amendments ensure that the penalties and enforcement mechanisms for drone operations over school properties align with those already established for correctional institutions, thereby enhancing the regulatory framework governing drone usage in sensitive areas.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 114.045(2), 114.045