Sponsor says drone bill targets malicious uses while exempting FAA‑authorized commercial operations

Senator Schroer (SD 2) presented Senate Bill 14‑21 to the Emerging Issues Committee, describing the measure as aimed at giving law enforcement tools to combat threatening or unlawful drone uses while carving out FAA‑authorized commercial operations.

Schroer told the committee the bill includes a provision that "shall not apply to an operator of an unmanned aircraft that is being used for a commercial purpose that is otherwise operating lawfully provided that the operator is authorized by the FAA to conduct lawful operations in that airspace." He said the bill and its emergency clause had been voted out unanimously of the Senate.

Representative Araujo asked what constitutes a "critical infrastructure facility," and Schroer referenced statute number cited in the hearing and listed examples including pipelines, power stations and terminals. Representative Thomas asked whether other bills that broaden definitions of infrastructure could change the bill’s effect; Schroer said he would review those measures to ensure compatibility.

Representative Peters asked whether the bill would hinder commercial delivery experiments in the state; Schroer replied that the bill exempts FAA‑authorized commercial operators and that most commercial operators already seek FAA authorization.

Jalen Talbot of the Department of Public Safety testified in support and offered to answer questions; Chan Tepla of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry also testified in support and thanked the senator for addressing earlier commercial concerns. The committee concluded the hearing on SB14‑21 with no further witnesses.