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Committee advances trespass bill for drones with exceptions for utilities and licensed commercial operations

2489285 · March 4, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Senate Bill 4-93 would make it a misdemeanor to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) at 200 feet or lower over private property without authorization. The committee advanced the bill after proponents and telecommunications and utility companies agreed an amendment should exempt licensed commercial and infrastructure flights.

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Senate Bill 4-93, a bill that would create a state trespass offense for unmanned aerial vehicles flown at 200 feet or lower over private property without authorization. The sponsor said the measure is intended to protect Montanans’ privacy and property rights while allowing essential public‑safety and utility operations to continue under defined exemptions.

Why it matters: Proponents said the rise of consumer and commercial drones…

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