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HD 2542

An Act relative to unmanned aerial systems

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brian Murray

Mass. bill creates statewide UAS framework: bans weaponization, sets operating rules, privacy limits, and 120-day data retention; preempts rules; penalties for FAA violations.

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Bill Summary · HD 2542

Summary: HD 2542 – An Act relative to unmanned aerial systems

Overview

  • Bill number: House Docket No. 2542 (Massachusetts)
  • Title: An Act relative to unmanned aerial systems
  • Introduced: January 16, 2025 (House), with reference to prior similar matter in 2023-2024 session
  • Sponsor: Rep. Brian W. Murray (Milford)
  • Purpose: Establish a statewide framework for the operation and regulation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including restrictions on weaponization, enforcement provisions, surveillance limits, and data retention rules for law enforcement.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions and scope

  • Defines:
    • “Operate” as piloting, flying, controlling, directing, or programming a UAS.
    • “Unmanned Aircraft System” (UAS) as the UAV plus associated equipment necessary for safe operation (e.g., communications links, control components).
    • “Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle” (UAV) or “drone” with specified characteristics, including automatic or remote piloting, weight under 55 pounds, and no onboard human operator.

Municipal preemption

  • No municipality may enact or enforce ordinances regulating UAV/UAS operation except as otherwise authorized by FAA regulations or Massachusetts law.

Operation and penalties

  • Prohibitions and penalties for violating FAA rules within the Commonwealth.
    • Violation of FAA rules: fine up to $100.
    • Identity requirements: law enforcement may request true name/address; refusal or false information can incur a fine ($20–$50) and possible arrest for refusal (without warrant for refusal itself; warrants not required for other FAA violations).

Weaponization and aviation safety

  • Prohibition on arming UAS/UAVs with weapons capable of serious injury or death. Violations: fine up to $2,000 or up to 1 year in jail, or both. Exemption for public safety explosive ordnance personnel when using UAS for ordnance disposal.
  • Prohibition on operating UAS/UAV in a manner that endangers manned aircraft or disrupts aviation operations. Violations: fine up to $1,500, or up to 1 year in jail, or both; higher penalties (up to $10,000 and up to 2.5 years) for damage to aircraft in flight or a resulting crash.
  • Prohibition on interfering with first responders or law enforcement actively responding to an emergency. Penalties: up to $1,000 fine or up to 6 months in jail, or both.

Surveillance and privacy

  • Prohibits operating a UAS/UAV to surveil or observe an individual or private property without consent. Law enforcement use is allowed under specific conditions (warrant, terrorist-risk circumstances with DHS/EOUS determinations, reasonable suspicion for imminent danger or pursuits, or documentation of a crime/crash scene).

Data retention by law enforcement

  • Agencies must permanently erase or destroy UAS-captured images/footage/data within 120 days unless the information evidences a crime or is relevant to an ongoing investigation or proceeding.

Miscellaneous

  • If any part is found unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of the section remains in effect (severability).

Who/what is affected

  • Individuals operating UAS/UAVs within Massachusetts.
  • Law enforcement and public safety agencies handling UAS/UAV data.
  • Municipalities (preemption of local regulations, with limited exceptions).
  • Aviation operators and aviation safety authorities through alignment with FAA rules and penalties.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The proposed section would amend Chapter 90 of the General Laws by adding Section 63(a).
  • Effective date is not specified in the text provided.
  • The bill references a similar measure from the 2023-2024 session (House No. 3429).

Sponsor

  • Primary: Brian W. Murray (Milford)

This summary reflects the substantive provisions in the bill text as filed, focusing on its regulatory approach to unmanned aerial systems, enforcement mechanisms, privacy safeguards, and the balance between state and federal aviation guidelines.

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

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