House Ag Committee hears mixed testimony on bill to restrict drones over animal feeding operations

A House Agriculture Committee hearing on House Bill 1429 opened with sponsor Representative Dawson Holly describing incidents and farmer concerns that drove the proposal to restrict drones over animal feeding operations.

The bill, modeled on an Iowa law, would limit unauthorized drone flights over farms and large animal facilities and exempt government entities; Holly said the measure aims to protect private property and animals from intrusive or reckless drone operations.

The bill drew broad testimony from agriculture groups and farmers who said drones have been used by activists to record farm operations and that buzzing or errant aircraft can frighten animals and cause injury. Pete Hanabit of the North Dakota Farm Bureau and Julie Ellingson of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association said their organizations support protections against unauthorized surveillance and animal harassment. Hanabit told the committee Farm Bureau policy already addresses unauthorized surveillance and that the bill fits that policy. Ellingson said the bill’s concept is to balance property rights,…