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House approves misdemeanor for using drones to surveil school grounds
Summary
The House passed Senate Bill 2434, which creates a Class C misdemeanor for knowingly using an unmanned aircraft over public school grounds with intent to conduct surveillance; lawmakers questioned enforcement and whether permitted uses (with school permission) would be affected.
The Tennessee House approved Senate Bill 2434 on third and final consideration, a measure the sponsor said was aimed at preventing surveillance of students by unmanned aircraft.
"This bill creates a class c misdemeanor offense for someone knowingly using an unmanned aircraft over the grounds of a public school ... with the intent to conduct surveillance," Representative Jones said while explaining the measure. The sponsor clarified that permitted uses with school permission or non-surveillance uses would not be affected.
Representative Warner pressed the sponsor on practical enforcement and tracking: "How would we ever track that drone to figure out where it's coming from?" the member asked, prompting the sponsor to note that criminal intent and publication of images on social media would be elements that allow enforcement.
The House adopted a committee amendment, voted on final consideration, and the Speaker declared the bill passed. The transcript records clarifying exchanges on scope and enforcement but does not include additional administrative implementation details.
