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HB 3190

Relating to historic property special assessment; and prescribing an effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Andersen and 17 co-sponsors

Illinois clarifies state UAS authority, limits local rules on public-property drone use, preserves FAA control for commercial ops near critical infrastructure and licensed pros.

Chapter 209, (2025 Laws): effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
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Bill Summary · HB 3190

Summary — HB 3190 (Public Act 104-209, 2025)

Status: Enacted (Chapter 209, 2025 Laws). Signed by Governor May 28, 2025. Effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Purpose / Intent

HB 3190 amends Section 42.1 of the Illinois Aeronautics Act to clarify the State’s regulatory authority over unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, commonly “drones”), define key terms (including “critical infrastructure”), and limit the extent to which local governments may restrict certain UAS operations — while preserving federal FAA authority and some local rulemaking on public property.

Key provisions

  • Definitions

    • Adopts the USA PATRIOT Act (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)) definition of “critical infrastructure.”
    • Defines “unmanned aircraft” and “unmanned aircraft system.”

  • State vs. Local Authority

    • Reaffirms that regulation of UAS is primarily a State responsibility; state regulation is exclusive to the extent it does not conflict with federal law.
    • States that Section 42.1 does not apply to any local ordinance enacted by a municipality of more than 1,000,000 inhabitants (i.e., large municipalities may retain certain local ordinances).

  • Local rules for public property

    • Allows units of local government to adopt reasonable rules governing private use of airspace above publicly owned or controlled property intended or permitted for recreational or conservation purposes (parks, playgrounds, aquatic facilities, wildlife areas, etc.).
    • Explicitly prohibits those local rules from restricting or limiting the use of UAS by commercial users conducting business operations in connection with critical infrastructure.

  • Protection for commercial FAA-authorized operations and professionals

    • Local rules may not supersede UAS operations conducted for commercial purposes in compliance with applicable FAA authorizations, regulations, or exemptions.
    • Local rules may not prevent licensed Illinois professional land surveyors or professional engineers from operating UAS within the scope of their professional practice.

  • Rulemaking and rights preserved

    • The Illinois Department of Transportation (Aeronautics) may adopt rules to facilitate safe UAS operations consistent with federal rules.
    • Existing state law rights and remedies are preserved.

Who is affected

  • Local governments and park/conservation authorities (limits some local restrictions over UAS on public recreational property).
  • Commercial UAS operators, especially those servicing or inspecting critical infrastructure.
  • Owners/operators of critical infrastructure (facilitates commercial drone work).
  • Licensed professional land surveyors and professional engineers using UAS in their practice.
  • General public (impacts on public space use, privacy and safety concerns are possible but FAA and state safety rules still apply).

Interaction with federal law

  • FAA regulations and authorizations remain controlling for aircraft operations; the bill does not authorize actions that conflict with federal law.

Effective date and legislative timeline

  • Introduced: February 2025; passed both chambers; signed by Governor May 28, 2025.
  • Effective: Chapter 209 — becomes effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die of the 104th General Assembly.

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

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