Sales tax exemption

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beth Bernstein and 3 co-sponsors

Bans small drones from flying within 400 feet over school zones unless authorized by the local superintendent; enforces escalating fines and drone confiscation for repeat offenses

Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Schuessler

Summary: H 3618 — An Act regulating the flight of unmanned aircraft/drones over school facilities

Purpose

This bill aims to regulate and restrict the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in the airspace over all early childhood, elementary, and secondary education facilities within the Commonwealth. The goal is to enhance safety and security for students, staff, and school properties by limiting drone activity over school zones without authorization.

Key Provisions

Legislative change: Adds a new section (Section 64) to Chapter 90 of the General Laws.

Definitions (as used in the new section):

School zone: On or within 50 feet of real property comprising a public or private accredited preschool, Head Start facility, elementary, vocational, or secondary school.
Small unmanned aircraft: A unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds at takeoff (including onboard/attached components).
Small unmanned aircraft system: The small unmanned aircraft and its required control/communication components.
Unmanned aircraft: An aircraft operated without direct human intervention on board.

Prohibited operation: No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system within a vertical distance of 400 feet in a school zone without authorization by the superintendent of schools.

Penalties:

First offense: Fine up to $250.
Second offense: Fine up to $500.
Third or subsequent offense: Fine up to $750, with confiscation and destruction of the small unmanned aircraft system by the Commonwealth.

Affected Parties and Scope

Who is affected: Drone operators and owners operating small unmanned aircraft systems within school zones as defined, including near public and private accredited preschools, Head Start facilities, elementary, vocational, and secondary schools.

Authority and oversight: Authorization to operate within school zones rests with the local superintendent of schools.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: February 27, 2025.

Referred to: Committee on Transportation (same date as introduction).

Hearing scheduled: July 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, in hearing room B-1.

Related actions: The bill references a similar matter filed in a prior session (HD 2215) and notes related status in the 2025-2026 session. Legislative actions show a scheduled hearing and ongoing committee consideration.

Potential Impact and Considerations

Public safety and security: The measure creates a clear boundary to reduce risk of drone incidents over schools.

Enforcement: Establishes escalating penalties and provides for confiscation and destruction of the drone on third/subsequent offenses.

Operational considerations: Drone operators (including hobbyists, commercial operators, and educational groups) would need authorization from school superintendents to operate within 400 feet vertically of school zones.

Implementation: The bill does not specify an effective date in the provided text; implementation details would depend on final passage and any subsequent regulatory guidance.

Overall, H 3618 formalizes a targeted restriction on drone flight over school properties in Massachusetts, with defined penalties and an authorization mechanism via school superintendents.