Overview: HB 5328, Aeronautics: unmanned aircraft systems; drones used by state government; require to follow the federal restricted drone list, was introduced on March 14, 2025 and has been electronically reproduced as of December 2, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to regulate the use of drones and other unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by state government agencies, aligning their operations with federal restrictions and guidelines.
Key Provisions:
- Requires all state government agencies using drones or UAS to adhere to the federal Restricted Drone List, which prohibits flights over certain sensitive locations
- Mandates the development of comprehensive state-level policies and procedures for the authorized use of drones by government entities
- Establishes penalties for the unauthorized or improper use of drones by state agencies
Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would primarily affect state government agencies that utilize drones or other UAS for various purposes, such as law enforcement, emergency response, and infrastructure monitoring. The public may also benefit from increased oversight and accountability around the use of these technologies by the state.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been electronically reproduced as of December 2, 2025, indicating that it is still in the early stages of the legislative process. If it progresses, it would need to pass both legislative chambers and be signed by the governor to become law.
