Rep. Ted Hill introduces bill to curb drone deliveries into prison yards

Representative Ted Hill (District 14) told the House Judiciary and Rules Committee he is introducing RS 32,914 to address unmanned aircraft systems operating within the security zones of correctional facilities and to give corrections and law enforcement tools to respond.

"This bill will allow Department of Corrections and law enforcement to take reasonable measures against drones and drone operators that operate in [a] nefarious manner," Hill said, citing repeated incidents where contraband — including cell phones, drugs and weapons — was dropped into prison yards. He described potential penalties in the draft language, saying operators could “be fined $2,000 to the max of $5,000 and within a year in prison.”

Hill told the committee the bill aims to put clear legal authority on the books but acknowledged enforcement challenges because the Federal Aviation Administration controls national airspace. He said some correctional facilities already have a more clearly defined restricted airspace, but that creating similar restrictions in urban settings would be more difficult.

A member pressed whether the measure would include local county jails where prisoners are held; Hill said he would clarify that point with staff and stakeholders and follow up before a formal hearing. The committee moved to introduce the bill and, by voice vote, agreed to advance it for further consideration.

The committee did not adopt other changes or set a hearing date during the introduction. Hill said no new funding is requested in the RS and that technology costs for detection and interdiction would be considered separately, potentially with federal assistance such as funds referenced informally as the 'Safe Skies' program.