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HD 2215

An Act regulating the flight of unmanned aircraft/drones in the airspace over all early, elementary and secondary education facilities in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Drones may not fly within 400 feet of a school zone without authorization, with escalating fines and possible confiscation for repeated violations.

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Bill Summary · HD 2215

Summary of Bill HD 2215 – An Act regulating the flight of unmanned aircraft/drones over school facilities (Massachusetts)

Overview

HD 2215 would add a new provision to Chapter 90 of the General Laws to regulate the flight of small unmanned aircraft (drones) in the airspace over early, elementary, and secondary education facilities in Massachusetts. The bill defines a “school zone” as property on or within 50 feet of the real property of a public or private accredited preschool, Head Start facility, elementary, vocational, or secondary school. It is a reintroduction of a similar measure previously filed (2023-2024 as House No. 3256) and is presented as a proposed act in the 2025-2026 session.

Key Provisions

  • New section added: Section 64 to Chapter 90.
  • Definitions:
    • “School zone”: on or within 50 feet of school-related properties listed above.
    • “Small unmanned aircraft”: aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds at takeoff, with all components and attachments.
    • “Small unmanned aircraft system”: the aircraft and its required operational components and links.
    • “Unmanned aircraft”: aircraft operated without direct human intervention once airborne.
  • Prohibition: No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system within a vertical distance of 400 feet of a school zone without authorization from the superintendent of schools.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Offenders face escalating fines:
    • First offense: up to $250
    • Second offense: up to $500
    • Third or subsequent offenses: up to $750
    • Additional penalty for third+ offenses: the drone may be confiscated and destroyed by the Commonwealth

Who and What Is Affected

  • Operators of small unmanned aircraft near Massachusetts school facilities (public or private accredited preschools, Head Start, elementary, vocational, and secondary schools).
  • School districts and superintendents who would grant or deny authorization to operate within school zones.
  • The policy targets recreational, commercial, and any other drone operations that would occur within 400 feet of a school zone without consent.

Implementation and Timeline

  • The bill would amend Chapter 90 by adding Section 64.
  • The text does not specify an explicit effective date or phased timeline; enforcement would presumably begin after the bill’s enactment and any required rulemaking or guidance from school superintendents.

Context and Status

  • Filed as House Docket No. 2215, with the sponsor Rep. Bruce J. Ayers (Quincy) and companion references to prior similar legislation in earlier sessions.
  • Status is not provided in the excerpt; it is a proposed bill as of the document’s filing.

This bill emphasizes safety and local control by requiring school-district authorization for drone flights near schools and establishing penalties to deter unauthorized operations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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