Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee refers drone bill for amendment after safety and legal concerns
Summary
H 522 would allow correctional officers to disable drones within 400 feet of facility perimeters; stakeholders urged caution, recommended anti-contraband netting, and called for alignment with federal mitigation authorities. The committee referred the bill for possible amendment.
Senator Keyser introduced H 522 (new § 20-251), which would permit correctional officers to disable unmanned aircraft systems flying within 400 feet of a correctional facility perimeter and make certain drone interference a misdemeanor with fines. The sponsor said drones had been used to identify officer movements and to deliver contraband, and the bill aimed to protect facilities and staff.
Witnesses and committee members raised legal and safety concerns. Certified remote pilot Steven Millward supported preventing contraband but warned that jamming, hacking, or physical capture posed safety and legal risks; he suggested anti-contraband netting as a safer alternative. Mason Sisks of AUVSI urged alignment with federal law and praised prior consultation, offering to work on amendments. Senator Ricks and others asked whether the bill could lead to intercept scenarios similar to international incidents and pressed for clearer definitions of terms such as 'physical capture.' The committee moved H 522 to the 14th Order of Business for possible amendment.
