Bill Had Near Unanimous Support Of Both Houses Of The State Legislature

The state of Delaware has passed, and Governor Jack Markell has signed, a new law that places strict restrictions on the flights of UAVs in the state.

According to the bill abstract, the bill creates the crime of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system. The bill prohibits unmanned aircraft systems from flying over sporting events, concerts, automobile races, festivals, and events at which more than 5000 people are in attendance and critical infrastructure in the State of Delaware.

The penalty for the crime is an unclassified misdemeanor for a first offense and a class A misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense unless injury occurs to a person or property damage occurs as a result of a violation in which case it is a Class G. Felony.

The bill defines an "unmanned aircraft" as any aircraft that:

• Does not carry a human operator;
• Uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift;
• Can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely; and
• Can be expendable or recoverable.

The bill passed both houses of the legislature with nearly unanimous support.

(Image from file)

FMI: http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis148.nsf/vwLegislation/HB+195/$file/legis.html?open