Committee refers bill on disabling drones near prisons for amendment

The committee considered House Bill 522, which would allow correctional officers to use specified mitigation means to disable unmanned aircraft systems operating 400 feet above ground level within the perimeter of correctional facilities, and would criminalize certain drone incursions.

Senator Josh Keiser said the bill targets "bad actors" using drones to identify officer movements and to distribute contraband into facilities and described the intent to allow reasonable mitigation means in line with federal law. He said the 400-foot threshold reflects federal airspace limits and that the bill should be refined to avoid broad prohibitions such as jamming that could disrupt telecommunications.

Steve Millward, a commercial remote-pilot license holder, testified that the strategy of interception, jamming or capture is problematic and urged passive solutions: "Anti contraband netting is not only 100% effective against drone incursions," he said, and warned of hidden fiscal costs if the state procures counter-drone technologies. Mason Sisk of AUVSI urged alignment with federal mitigation-authority processes and training established under recent federal law.

Senators asked about enforcement, safety and unintended effects on legitimate pilots and commercial flights. Senator Keiser pledged to refine definitions and align the bill with federal law; the committee voted to send HB 522 to the 14th order for possible amendment so stakeholders can reconcile practical, legal and fiscal concerns.