{ "dataset": "drones", "license": "LawLert Open Law Data — CC BY 4.0. Attribute to \"LawLert (https://www.lawlertapp.com)\". General legal information from official sources, not legal advice. Verify against the linked official source before relying on it.", "generated": "2026-07-21T09:10:47.751Z", "count": 150, "rules": [ { "jurisdiction_id": "ak", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Alaska has no drone-specific civilian privacy crime; it regulates only law-enforcement UAS use, which requires a warrant (AS 18.65.900-.909).", "source_url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Text/28?Hsid=SB0136A", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ak", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Alaska prohibits using a drone/UAS to spot or locate game with a camera; take is barred until 3 a.m. the day after a drone is used (5 AAC 92.080).", "source_url": "https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=908", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ak", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "No Alaska statute bars drones over critical infrastructure or prisons; the only UAS law (AS 18.65.900-.909) covers law-enforcement use.", "source_url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Text/28?Hsid=SB0136A", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "al", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Operating a drone within 500 ft horizontally / 200 ft vertically of, or to surveil, an Alabama Dept. of Corrections facility is a Class C felony (Ala. Code 13A-7-91).", "source_url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2024RS/HB345-enr.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "al", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Launching, landing, possessing or using a drone/UAV on any Alabama Wildlife Management Area or public hunting area is prohibited without written permission (Admin Code 220-2-.55).", "source_url": "https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/administrative-code/220-2-.55", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "al", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Alabama has no drone-specific privacy statute; the general criminal-surveillance law (13A-11-32) covers only secret surveillance while trespassing, not drones.", "source_url": "https://judicial.alabama.gov/docs/library/docs/13A-11-32.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ar", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Arkansas criminalizes knowingly using a drone to secretly record or view a person with a reasonable expectation of privacy (video voyeurism, Ark. Code 5-16-101(b)).", "source_url": "https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2015%2FPublic%2FACT293.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ar", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Arkansas bars knowingly using a drone to surveil or record critical infrastructure without the owner's written consent (Ark. Code 5-60-103).", "source_url": "https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2015%2FPublic%2FACT1019.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ar", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Arkansas prohibits hunting, driving, herding or harassing wildlife from or with an aircraft, which AGFC applies to drones (AGFC Code 05.07).", "source_url": "https://agfc-omnibus.s3.amazonaws.com/eregs/regulation_pdfs/large/agfc_regulation_05.00_large.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "az", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Arizona has no drone-specific privacy statute (the 2023 drone-surveillance bill was vetoed); general voyeurism (13-1424) and surreptitious-recording (13-3019) laws may still apply.", "source_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/01424.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "az", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Drones count as 'aircraft' under AZ Game & Fish rules: taking wildlife from an aircraft is barred (ARS 17-301(B)) and drones can't be used to take, locate or scout game.", "source_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/17/00301.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "az", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "ARS 13-3729(B): a class 6 felony to use a drone to photograph or loiter over/near a critical facility (power, water, refineries, prisons) in furtherance of a criminal offense.", "source_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/52leg/2r/bills/sb1449h.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ca", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "California Penal Code 4577 makes operating a drone on or above a state prison, jail, or juvenile facility an infraction ($500).", "source_url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=4577.", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ca", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "California Civil Code 1708.8 imposes civil liability for entering another's airspace (incl. by drone) to capture images of private activity without consent.", "source_url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1708.8.", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ca", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Title 14 251/251.1 bars taking or pursuing birds/mammals from motor-driven aircraft (incl. drones), using aircraft to locate big game, and harassing wildlife.", "source_url": "https://wildlife.ca.gov/Drones", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "co", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Colorado has no drone-specific privacy or surveillance crime; general invasion-of-privacy law (CRS 18-7-801) may apply.", "source_url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/r24-899_drones_update_issue_brief_.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "co", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "CPW regulation makes it unlawful to use a drone to look for, scout or detect wildlife as an aid in hunting; CRS 33-6-124 also bans airborne spotting of game (2 CCR 406-0).", "source_url": "https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=7054&fileName=2+CCR+406-0", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "co", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "No Colorado statute bars drone flight over critical infrastructure or correctional facilities; state rules limit drones in state parks only.", "source_url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/r24-899_drones_update_issue_brief_.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ct", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Connecticut has no drone-specific privacy statute for persons/property; its only drone-surveillance crime (PA 25-1) covers critical infrastructure; general voyeurism 53a-189a may apply.", "source_url": "https://www.jud.ct.gov/lawlib/Law/drones.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ct", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "No statewide drone-hunting statute, but DEEP bars drones on all state parks, forests and other DEEP lands (incl. wildlife/hunting areas) absent a Special Use License.", "source_url": "https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Recreation-Information/Use-of-Remote-Controlled-Aircraft-or-Drones", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ct", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "PA 25-1 (2025): a class A misdemeanor to fly a drone under 250 ft above or 100 ft from a critical-infrastructure facility (incl. correctional facilities) or to surveil one.", "source_url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2025/ACT/PA/PDF/2025PA-00001-R00HB-07066-PA.PDF", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "dc", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "DC has no drone-specific privacy statute; its general voyeurism law (22-3531) criminalizes surreptitiously capturing images of a person's private areas by any electronic device.", "source_url": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-3531", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "dc", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "No drone-hunting rule because hunting is prohibited District-wide: DC has no open hunting seasons and all wildlife is protected (DCMR Title 19 1560.1).", "source_url": "https://doh.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/Fish%20and%20Wildlife.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "dc", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "The entire District lies in the FAA's DC Flight Restricted Zone, a federal no-fly zone; drone flight within the 15-mile inner ring is prohibited without FAA authorization.", "source_url": "https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/community_engagement/no_drone_zone/dc", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "de", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Delaware criminalizes operating a drone to invade the privacy of, or harass, a person on private property (11 Del. C. 1334(b)).", "source_url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c005/sc07/index.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "de", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "conditional", "summary": "On Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife lands/waters, operating or possessing a drone requires a permit from the Director (7 Del. Admin. Code 3900-8.1.9).", "source_url": "https://archive.regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title7/3000/3900/3900.shtml", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "de", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "11 Del. C. 1334 bars flying a drone over critical infrastructure (correctional facilities, government/military buildings, power plants), large events, or first-responder incidents.", "source_url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c005/sc07/index.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "fl", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "FWC hunting regulations list herding/driving game with aircraft (including drones) and shooting or harassing animals from aircraft as prohibited methods of take.", "source_url": "https://myfwc.com/hunting/regulations/taking-game/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "fl", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Florida's UAS Act makes it a third-degree felony to knowingly operate a drone over a critical infrastructure facility, which includes state correctional institutions and jails (Fla. Stat. 330.41).", "source_url": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/330.41", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "fl", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Florida's Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act bars using a drone with an imaging device to record private property or its occupants to surveil them without consent (Fla. Stat. 934.50).", "source_url": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/934.50", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ga", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Georgia has no drone-specific privacy statute; its general surveillance felony (OCGA 16-11-62) bars using any device to record activities in a private place out of public view.", "source_url": "https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2022-signed-legislation/sb-539/download", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ga", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Georgia bars hunting wildlife or feral hog from an aircraft (OCGA 27-3-13); DNR applies wildlife-pursuit rules to drone scouting/harassment.", "source_url": "https://gadnrle.org/sites/default/files/wrd/pdf/regulations/GA2026_Hunting&Fishing%20Regulations.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ga", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Georgia makes it a felony to use a drone to photograph a place of incarceration for a criminal purpose or to deliver contraband to inmates (OCGA 42-5-18).", "source_url": "https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20192020/186910", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "hi", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Hawaii makes it drone trespass to cross a property line and come within 50 ft of a dwelling to coerce, intimidate or harass an occupant (HRS 711-1125, renumbered from 711-1114).", "source_url": "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol14_Ch0701-0853/HRS0711/HRS_0711-1125.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "hi", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Hawaii's DLNR game-mammal rules bar using any aircraft (drones included) to herd or drive game, land to hunt, or fire from aircraft (HAR 13-123-22).", "source_url": "https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/files/2013/09/HAR-123-Game-Mammals.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "hi", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "Hawaii has no dedicated statute banning drone flights over critical infrastructure or prisons; HRS 711-1125 (renumbered from 711-1114) only bars takeoff/landing that violates FAA security airspace.", "source_url": "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol14_Ch0701-0853/HRS0711/HRS_0711-1125.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ia", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Iowa bars killing, wounding, or pursuing wildlife from or with an aircraft in flight; DNR applies this to drones used while hunting (Iowa Code 481A.120).", "source_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/481A.120.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ia", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Iowa has no statute criminalizing private drone surveillance; Iowa Code 808.15 only makes warrantless drone-gathered information inadmissible as evidence.", "source_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/808.15.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ia", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Iowa makes it a class D felony to fly a drone in, on, or above a jail, correctional or juvenile detention facility (Iowa Code 719.9).", "source_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/719.9.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "id", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Idaho makes it unlawful to use any unmanned aircraft system to molest/drive game or to spot-and-locate game from the air and relay the location to hunters (Idaho Code 36-1101).", "source_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title36/t36ch11/sect36-1101/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "id", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Idaho bars using a drone to intentionally surveil or gather information about targeted persons or private property (incl. a dwelling and its curtilage) without written consent (Idaho Code 21-213).", "source_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title21/t21ch2/sect21-213/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "id", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Idaho (eff. July 1, 2026) makes it a misdemeanor to fly a drone in the restricted airspace (surface to 400 ft) of a state correctional facility (Idaho Code 20-251).", "source_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title20/t20ch2/sect20-251/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "il", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Illinois' Wildlife Code makes it unlawful to take, pursue, or intentionally harass wild birds or mammals by use or aid of an unmanned aircraft (520 ILCS 5/2.33).", "source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/052000050K2.33.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "il", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Illinois has no statute criminalizing private drone surveillance; its Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act restricts only law-enforcement drone use (725 ILCS 167).", "source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/072501670K10.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "in", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Indiana criminalizes remote aerial voyeurism: operating a drone with intent to peep into another's occupied dwelling to capture images, a Class A misdemeanor (IC 35-45-4-5).", "source_url": "https://iga.in.gov/ic/2025/Title_35.html#35-45-4-5", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "in", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Indiana bars knowingly using a drone to search for, scout, locate, or detect game as an aid to taking it, during season and the 14 days before (IC 14-22-6-16).", "source_url": "https://iga.in.gov/ic/2025/Title_14.html#14-22-6-16", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "in", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Indiana criminalizes operating a drone to obstruct or interfere with police, correctional officers, firefighters or EMS (IC 35-44.1-4-10).", "source_url": "https://iga.in.gov/ic/2025/Title_35.html#35-44.1-4-10", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ks", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Kansas bars taking game or furbearers from an airplane or other air vehicle; KDWP applies this to drones (K.S.A. 32-1003).", "source_url": "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch32/032_010_0003.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ks", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Kansas folds drone surveillance into its stalking/harassment law — drone use over or near a dwelling or occupied vehicle where one expects privacy counts as harassment (K.S.A. 60-31a02).", "source_url": "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_031a_0002.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ky", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Kentucky (HB 19, 2025) bars using a drone to record images of private property or its occupants to conduct surveillance without consent (KRS 500.130).", "source_url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=56115", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ky", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Kentucky makes it a misdemeanor to fly a drone above key infrastructure assets (power, water, refineries) with intent to harm or surveil, without consent (KRS 511.100).", "source_url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=55888", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ky", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Kentucky Fish & Wildlife regulation (301 KAR 3:140, 2025) prohibits using an aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to fish, hunt, take, drive/herd, or harass wildlife.", "source_url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/301/003/140/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "la", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "LDWF hunting rules bar using a drone to aid recovery of a wounded deer or bear, and R.S. 56:116.1 prohibits taking game from aircraft.", "source_url": "https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Resources/Publications/Regulations/25-26-LDWF-Hunting-Regs-sm.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "la", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Louisiana's Peeping Tom law (R.S. 14:284), amended to name UAS, criminalizes using a drone to spy on or invade a person's privacy without consent.", "source_url": "https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=78392", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "la", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "La. R.S. 14:337 criminalizes flying a drone to surveil a targeted facility (critical infrastructure, refineries, schools) or over a jail, prison, or correctional facility.", "source_url": "https://legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=919584", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ma", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Massachusetts bars hunting any bird or mammal by the aid or use of any aircraft; a drone is an unmanned aircraft, so drone-aided hunting is prohibited (M.G.L. c.131 65).", "source_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIX/Chapter131/Section65", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ma", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "No enacted Massachusetts statute criminalizes drone surveillance of a person or property; such provisions exist only in proposed bills. FAA rules apply.", "source_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3663", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ma", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "No enacted Massachusetts law restricts drones near critical infrastructure or correctional facilities; only proposed bills. FAA rules apply.", "source_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3663", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "md", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Maryland (Crim. Law 9-417.1) makes it a misdemeanor to use an unmanned aircraft to deliver contraband to a person confined in a place of confinement.", "source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr§ion=9-417.1&enactments=false", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "md", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Maryland has no drone-specific privacy crime; Econ. Dev. 14-301 reserves all UAS regulation to the State and preempts local drone rules.", "source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gec§ion=14-301&enactments=false", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "md", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Maryland (Nat. Res. 10-410(j)) prohibits hunting or attempting to hunt wild birds or mammals from an aircraft (incl. drones); a misdemeanor.", "source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gnr§ion=10-410&enactments=false", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "me", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Maine bars using an aircraft to aid or assist in hunting bear, deer, or moose; the state applies this to drones (12 M.R.S. 11216).", "source_url": "https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/12/title12sec11216.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "me", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "Maine has no enacted law barring drones over correctional facilities or critical infrastructure; FAA rules apply.", "source_url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/25/title25sec4501.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "me", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Maine has no criminal statute barring a private person's drone surveillance; Title 25 4501 governs only law-enforcement UAV use (warrant required).", "source_url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/25/title25sec4501.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mi", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "MCL 750.45a makes it a felony to use a drone to interfere with a key facility, correctional, or law-enforcement facility; Michigan also preempts local drone ordinances (MCL 259.305).", "source_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-750-45a", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mi", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Michigan (MCL 324.40111c) prohibits taking game or fish using an unmanned device that uses aerodynamic forces to fly (a drone).", "source_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-324-40111c", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mi", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Michigan (MCL 259.322) bars knowingly operating a drone to harass a person or to capture images/video/audio invading their reasonable expectation of privacy.", "source_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-259-322", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mn", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Per the Minnesota DNR, state law bars using drones to take big or small game, including recovering dead or wounded game (Minn. Stat. 97B.085 / 97B.081).", "source_url": "https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/drone-use-while-hunting.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mn", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Minnesota's UAV statute (626.19) restricts only law-enforcement drone use; no MN law criminalizes a private person's drone surveillance. General privacy law (609.746) may apply.", "source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/626.19", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mn", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Minnesota (243.552) makes it a misdemeanor to fly a drone over a state correctional facility without the corrections commissioner's consent; a gross misdemeanor if used to record it.", "source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/243.552", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mo", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Missouri criminalizes flying a drone within 400 ft over an open-air facility/stadium (577.800) or over a correctional center's secure perimeter (217.850).", "source_url": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=577.800", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mo", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Missouri has no drone-specific privacy crime; the general invasion-of-privacy law (565.252) bars nonconsensual nude imaging but does not mention drones.", "source_url": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=565.252", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mo", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Missouri's Wildlife Code (3 CSR 10-7.410) bars pursuing, taking or molesting wildlife from any motor-driven air conveyance, including drones.", "source_url": "https://s1.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3c10-7.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ms", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Mississippi's voyeurism/Peeping-Tom felony (97-29-61) names 'drones' among instruments barred from viewing into a bedroom, bathroom or any area with a reasonable expectation of privacy.", "source_url": "https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2015/pdf/SB/2001-2099/SB2022SG.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ms", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Mississippi's UAS Protection Act (97-47-5, 2021) criminalizes using a drone to surveil/record critical infrastructure or a correctional facility without consent.", "source_url": "https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2021/pdf/HB/0900-0999/HB0974SG.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ms", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "MDWFP regulation bars launching/landing drones on state Wildlife Management Areas (federal Airborne Hunting Act also applies).", "source_url": "https://www.mdwfp.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/40%20Miss%20Admin%20Code%20Part%202%20Chapter%201%20COMPILATION%202025-26%20WMA%20Regulations%20Rev.%2004-2025%20FINAL_0.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mt", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "No drone-specific law; Montana's critical-infrastructure statute (82-1-602) punishes only physical trespass at such sites, not drone overflight; FAA applies.", "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0820/chapter_0010/part_0060/section_0020/0820-0010-0060-0020.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mt", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Montana (MCA 45-6-210, 2025): flying a drone 200 ft or lower over another's property/residence without authorization is criminal trespass.", "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0450/chapter_0060/part_0020/section_0100/0450-0060-0020-0100.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "mt", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Montana (MCA 87-6-208) bars using an aircraft — which includes unmanned aerial vehicles — to spot/locate, pursue, drive, rally or stir up game, or to shoot game from it.", "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0870/chapter_0060/part_0020/section_0080/0870-0060-0020-0080.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nc", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "North Carolina (G.S. 15A-300.1) bars using a drone to surveil a person, dwelling or private property without consent, or to photograph someone without consent for publication; civil action.", "source_url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_15A/GS_15A-300.1.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nc", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "North Carolina (G.S. 14-401.24(b)) makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to fish or hunt using an unmanned aircraft system.", "source_url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_14/GS_14-401.24.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nc", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "North Carolina (G.S. 15A-300.3) bans flying a drone within 500 ft / 250 ft of a confinement or correctional facility; weapon delivery is a felony.", "source_url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_15A/GS_15A-300.3.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nd", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "North Dakota (NDCC 20.1-01-11) bars using any aircraft (incl. drones) to kill, chase or harass wild animals or birds; 20.1-01-31 bars a UAV used to disrupt a lawful hunt.", "source_url": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t20-1c01.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nd", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "conditional", "summary": "North Dakota (NDCC ch. 29-29.4) regulates drone surveillance — law enforcement needs a warrant and it bars authorizing nonconsensual private-person drone surveillance; no general criminal offense.", "source_url": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t29c29-4.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nd", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "No North Dakota statute criminalizes drone flight over critical infrastructure or correctional facilities; the UAS chapter covers only law-enforcement surveillance and weaponized drones.", "source_url": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t29c29-4.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ne", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "In Nebraska, causing a drone over another's property to observe a person in a place of solitude/seclusion is second-degree criminal trespass (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-521).", "source_url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-521", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ne", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "No Nebraska statute bars drones over/near critical infrastructure or correctional facilities; FAA applies.", "source_url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-936", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ne", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Nebraska makes it a Class II misdemeanor to use any aircraft to harass any bird, fish or animal; drone use to shoot at or harass wildlife is barred (Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-509).", "source_url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=37-509", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nh", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "New Hampshire (RSA 644:23, in force 2026) makes it a misdemeanor to fly a drone in FAA-restricted airspace over a correctional/penal/detention facility; a felony if delivering contraband.", "source_url": "https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LXII/644/644-23.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nh", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "New Hampshire (RSA 644:9) makes it a class A misdemeanor to use any device — including a drone — to observe/record a person in a private place without consent (RSA 644:23).", "source_url": "https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LXII/644/644-9.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nh", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "New Hampshire (Fis 312.02) bars using a drone/UAV to locate, surveil, or aid or assist in the taking of wildlife.", "source_url": "https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/fis300.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nj", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "New Jersey makes using a drone to take or assist in taking wildlife a disorderly persons offense (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-28(d); Fish & Game Code N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.22).", "source_url": "https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2016/S3500/3370_I1.HTM", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nj", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "New Jersey: operating a drone that endangers a correctional facility on its premises or nearby is a 4th-degree crime; drone surveillance of such a facility is a 3rd-degree crime (2C:40-28(b)).", "source_url": "https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2016/S3500/3370_I1.HTM", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nj", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "New Jersey (P.L. 2017 c.315) makes it an offense for a person subject to a restraining/no-contact order to fly a drone near the protected person or location.", "source_url": "https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2016/S3500/3370_I1.HTM", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nm", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "New Mexico Game Commission rule bars using an aircraft or drone to spot/locate and relay game location, and bars hunting on drone-gained information (NMAC 19.31.10.11).", "source_url": "https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title19/19.031.0010.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nm", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "New Mexico has no drone-specific privacy crime (a 2026 drone-surveillance bill died); only the general voyeurism law (NMSA 30-9-20) may apply.", "source_url": "https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/item/4371/index.do", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nm", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "New Mexico has no drone critical-infrastructure statute (a 2026 bill died); FAA rules govern.", "source_url": "https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/26%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0136.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nv", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Nevada (NRS 493.109) bars operating a drone within 500 ft horizontally / 250 ft vertically of a critical facility (incl. jails, prisons) without written consent; a misdemeanor.", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-493.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nv", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "conditional", "summary": "Nevada (NRS 493.103): a property owner/occupant may sue for trespass if a drone flies under 250 ft over their property after prior notice — a civil remedy, not a criminal surveillance ban.", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-493.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "nv", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Nevada (NRS 503.010) makes it unlawful to harass game mammals or birds with a manned or unmanned aircraft, or to spot/locate game by drone and relay it within 24 hrs for hunting.", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-503.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ny", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "New York has no statewide drone-specific privacy crime (it is largely local, e.g., NYC); Penal Law 250.45 covers imaging-device surveillance generally, not drones.", "source_url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/250.45", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ny", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "No enacted statewide statute bars drones over critical infrastructure or prisons in New York; FAA/federal rules apply.", "source_url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S694/amendment/A", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ny", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "New York (ECL 11-0901) bars hunting deer or bear with the aid of aircraft of any kind; DEC also restricts drone use to take/harass wildlife.", "source_url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ENV/11-0901", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "oh", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Ohio (Admin. Code 1501:31-15-02(B)) bars hunting or taking any wild bird or quadruped by aid of any aircraft, including aerial drones; drones allowed only for post-kill deer recovery.", "source_url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-1501:31-15-02", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "oh", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Ohio has no statute criminalizing drone surveillance of persons or property; the state UAV law (ORC 4561.51) covers only responder interference and criminal-intent critical-facility flights.", "source_url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4561.51", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "oh", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Ohio (ORC 4561.51(C)) criminalizes flying a drone to photograph/record/loiter over or near a critical facility with intent to further a violent offense or to destroy or tamper with it.", "source_url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4561.51", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ok", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Oklahoma (3 O.S. 3-322) bars knowingly flying a drone below 400 ft over a critical-infrastructure facility, contacting it, or coming close enough to disturb it.", "source_url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os3.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ok", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Oklahoma (21 O.S. 1743) makes it a misdemeanor to use a drone to photograph, record or observe a person where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.", "source_url": "http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=492425", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ok", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Oklahoma (ODWC, Title 29) bars taking or harassing wildlife with the aid of any motor-driven air conveyance, which covers drones used to scout, locate or take game.", "source_url": "https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/regs/general-hunting-regulations", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "or", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Oregon (ORS 837.372): a Class A violation to knowingly fly a drone 400 ft or lower over, or contact, a fenced/posted critical-infrastructure facility, incl. correctional/LE facilities.", "source_url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors837.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "or", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Oregon (ORS 837.370) makes it an offense to fly a drone over privately owned premises to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly harass or annoy the owner or occupant.", "source_url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors837.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "or", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Oregon (ORS 498.128) prohibits drones for angling, hunting and trapping, and for harassing, tracking, locating or scouting wildlife.", "source_url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.html", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "pa", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Pennsylvania (18 Pa.C.S. 3505) makes it a summary offense to use a drone to surveil a person in a private place or place them in reasonable fear of injury.", "source_url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.035..HTM", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "pa", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Pennsylvania (18 Pa.C.S. 3505(a)(3)) makes it a second-degree felony to use a drone to deliver contraband to a prison/correctional facility.", "source_url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/18/00.035..HTM", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "pa", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Pennsylvania bars hunting with the aid of aircraft or other devices prohibited by the Game and Wildlife Code (34 Pa.C.S. 2308), and expressly bans launching or operating drones on State Game Lands (58 Pa. Code 135.41); the Game Commission applies these to drone scouting and recovery.", "source_url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/34/00.023.008.000..HTM", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ri", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Rhode Island (DEM rule 250-RICR-60-00-9, section 9.17(L)) prohibits using drones or other unmanned aircraft to drive or disturb wildlife, or to aid the take of wildlife for hunting.", "source_url": "https://rules.sos.ri.gov/Regulations/part/250-60-00-9", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ri", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "info", "summary": "Rhode Island has no drone-specific critical-infrastructure or correctional statute; its sole UAS law mandates FAA compliance and preempts local ordinances.", "source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE1/1-8/1-8-1.2.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ri", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Rhode Island's only UAS statute (R.I. Gen. Laws 1-8-1.2) requires FAA compliance and preempts local rules; there is no drone-specific privacy/surveillance offense.", "source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE1/1-8/1-8-1.2.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "sc", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "South Carolina has no drone-specific privacy statute; its only drone law (24-1-300) covers corrections. Peeping/voyeurism is handled by the general S.C. Code 16-17-470.", "source_url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t24c001.php", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "sc", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "conditional", "summary": "No statewide ban; South Carolina (50-11-2200(22)) bars launching/landing drones on WMAs and 50-11-854 bars taking crows from aircraft; SCDNR allows drones only for feral-hog/coyote control.", "source_url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t50c011.php", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "sc", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "South Carolina (24-1-300) makes it a misdemeanor to fly a drone within 500 ft horizontally / 250 ft vertically of any Dept. of Corrections facility without the Director's written consent.", "source_url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t24c001.php", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "sd", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "South Dakota (SDCL 50-15-3): a Class 6 felony to operate a drone over the grounds of a prison, correctional facility, jail, juvenile detention or any military facility without the administrator's authorization.", "source_url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/50-15-3", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "sd", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "South Dakota (SDCL 41-8-39): a Class 1 misdemeanor to use aircraft to hunt, drive, locate or spot wildlife; a narrow drone exception exists for predators/varmints.", "source_url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/41-8-39", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "sd", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "South Dakota (SDCL 50-15-5): a Class 1 misdemeanor to use a drone to photograph, record or observe a person in a private place with a reasonable expectation of privacy.", "source_url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/50-15-5", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "tn", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Tennessee makes it an offense to knowingly fly a drone within 250 feet of the perimeter of a critical-infrastructure facility to conduct surveillance (T.C.A. 39-13-903, added by 2016 Public Chapter 788).", "source_url": "https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/109/pub/pc0788.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "tn", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Tennessee (TCA 39-13-903) makes it a Class C misdemeanor to use a drone to capture an image of a person or private property with intent to conduct surveillance.", "source_url": "https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/108/pub/pc0876.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "tn", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Tennessee (TWRA rule 1660-01-33-.02) bars using a drone to hunt, harass, chase, drive or take wildlife; only limited after-hours recovery of a mortally wounded deer on private land is allowed.", "source_url": "https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/twra/documents/notices/TWRA-Drones-Redline_1660-01-33.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "tx", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Texas (31 TAC 65.152) makes using a drone to hunt, drive, capture, take, count or photograph wildlife unlawful without a TPWD Aerial Management Permit; a Class A misdemeanor.", "source_url": "https://tpwd.texas.gov/warden/law-enforcement-faq/drones-uavs", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "tx", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Texas (Gov't Code 423.003) makes it a Class C misdemeanor to use a drone to capture an image of a person or private property to conduct surveillance (upheld 5th Cir. 2023).", "source_url": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.423.htm", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "tx", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Texas (Gov't Code 423.0045): a Class B misdemeanor to fly a drone over a critical infrastructure facility below 400 ft, or to contact/disturb it.", "source_url": "https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._gov't_code_section_423.0045", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ut", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "conditional", "summary": "Utah has no drone-specific privacy law; the voyeurism statute (76-9-702.7) criminalizes using any technology (incl. a drone) to secretly record a person with a reasonable expectation of privacy.", "source_url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/title76/chapter9/C76-9-S702.7_2024013020240501.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ut", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Utah (Admin. Code R657-5-14) bars using a drone/aircraft to take protected wildlife, and (July 31–Jan 31) to locate or observe protected wildlife.", "source_url": "https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/rule/R657-5/Current%20Rules", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "ut", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Utah (76 code / 72-10-903): a third-degree felony to fly a drone to carry/drop an item to or into a correctional facility; a misdemeanor to interfere with its operations or security.", "source_url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title72/Chapter10/C72-10-P9_2023050320230503.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "va", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Virginia (Va. Code 18.2-121.3(B)): a Class 4 felony to fly a drone over critical infrastructure/utilities without authorization; a Class 1 misdemeanor over a correctional facility.", "source_url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-121.3/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "va", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Virginia (DWR rule 4VAC15-20-240) makes it unlawful to use a drone to hunt, take, kill, drive, herd or harass wild animals, or to hunt the same day after using a drone to locate wildlife.", "source_url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title4/agency15/chapter20/section240/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "va", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "conditional", "summary": "Virginia (Va. Code 18.2-121.3): flying a drone within 50 ft of a dwelling to coerce/intimidate/harass, or imaging an inmate, is a Class 1 misdemeanor.", "source_url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-121.3/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "vt", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "conditional", "summary": "Vermont (20 V.S.A. 4625): a civil penalty up to $500 (not a crime) to knowingly operate a drone over a correctional facility or its recognizable grounds.", "source_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/20/205", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "vt", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "conditional", "summary": "Vermont (20 V.S.A. 4626): a civil penalty ($50-$250, not a crime) to use a drone to record images of private property or its owner/occupant to conduct surveillance without prior written consent.", "source_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/20/205/04626", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "vt", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Vermont (Fish & Wildlife rule, 10 V.S.A. App. 20) makes it unlawful to take wild animals by drone, or to use a drone to locate, surveil, drive or harass wildlife for taking.", "source_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/10APPENDIX/001/00020", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wa", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Washington (WAC 220-413-070) makes it unlawful to use aircraft, including unmanned aircraft, to spot/locate wildlife for hunting, or to hunt game the same day one operated a drone.", "source_url": "https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=220-413-070", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wa", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Washington has no drone-specific privacy statute; the general voyeurism law (RCW 9A.44.115) can reach a drone used to secretly view/photograph a person where they expect privacy.", "source_url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9A.44.115", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wi", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Wisconsin (29.083) bars using a drone to harass wild animals or impede hunters; the DNR also bars aircraft-aided hunting.", "source_url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/29/ii/083", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wi", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Wisconsin (Wis. Stat. 942.10) makes it a Class A misdemeanor to use a drone to photograph, record or observe another person where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.", "source_url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/942/10", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wi", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Wisconsin (114.045) imposes a forfeiture up to $5,000 to operate a drone over a correctional institution or its grounds without authorization.", "source_url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/114/i/045", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wv", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "West Virginia (61-16-2(b)): a misdemeanor to fly a drone over a 'targeted facility' (critical infrastructure) to deploy an object or to surveil/gather info with intent to do harm.", "source_url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/61-16-2/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wv", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "restricted", "summary": "West Virginia (61-16-2(a)) makes it a misdemeanor to operate a drone to capture images/audio of another person or private property, without permission, invading a reasonable expectation of privacy.", "source_url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/61-16-2/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wv", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "West Virginia (20-2-5(a)(5)) makes it unlawful to use a drone or other unmanned aircraft to hunt, take, wound, harass, transport or kill a wild bird or animal, or to drive/herd wildlife.", "source_url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/20-2-5/", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wy", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.critical_infrastructure", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Wyoming (W.S. 19-13-503, enacted 2025) makes it an offense to fly a drone over/near critical infrastructure to photograph it, loiter, or further a crime.", "source_url": "https://www.wyoleg.gov/2025/Enroll/SF0132.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wy", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.hunting", "status": "restricted", "summary": "Wyoming (W.S. 23-3-306) defines 'aircraft' to include unmanned aerial vehicles; no person may use any aircraft to aid in taking wildlife by spotting or locating it.", "source_url": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title23.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" }, { "jurisdiction_id": "wy", "category_id": "drones", "subcategory_id": "drones.privacy", "status": "info", "summary": "Wyoming has no drone image-capture/surveillance statute (bills failed); W.S. 10-4-303 only bars unlawful low flight or landing on another's land without consent (a misdemeanor).", "source_url": "https://www.wyoleg.gov/2025/Enroll/SF0132.pdf", "verified_at": "2026-07-07" } ] }