Prohibits the operation of uncrewed aircraft, including drones, over school grounds or critical infrastructure

• Democratic5

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Patricia Fahy says this is needed

Under current law, there is no restriction on flying a drone or other unmanned aircraft over school grounds. This lack of regulation puts the safety and security of schoolchildren at risk. Drones can be equipped with surveillance technology that, in the hands of bad actors, could be used for nefarious purposes. In light of the tragic frequency of school shootings, we must ensure that bad actors cannot exploit drone technolo- gy to threaten the safety and security of New York schoolchildren. There is also no restriction on flying a drone over power plants, petro- leum. refineries, chemical storage facilities, ox other highly sensitive facilities in New York. Recognizing the substantial security risks posed by drones in this context, many other states, including Delaware, Arkan- sas, and Oregon, have prohibited the use of drones over critical infras- tructure. This bill is necessary to prevent bad actors from exploiting drones to compromise the state's energy supply and distribution. This legislation makes it a Class B misdemeanor to operate a drone over school grounds or critical infrastructure in New York, except in cases where the operator has express written consent. This bill also makes exceptions for legitimate unmanned aircraft use by governments, law enforcement agencies, and their designees. Ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot fly drones above schools or critical infrastructure is a common-sense security measure.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.