Local Officials Concerned That They Would Be Unable To Enact Specific Legislation

A small, bipartisan group of U.S. Senators is looking to make minor changes in language included in the FAA reauthorization bill that some local officials say would restrict their ability to regulate UAVs in their states and municipalities.

But major changes to the bill's language is not expected, according to a report from The Hill newspaper.

The bill as it is currently written would not allow local governments to enact laws related to the design, manufacture, testing, licensing, registration, certification, operation or maintenance of unmanned aircraft. Local governments could also not enact laws that would restrict related to the use of airspace, flight paths, pilot requirements, equipment or technology.

But an amendment authored by Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) would allow local governments to enact privacy laws related to drones. Another, authored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) that would limit the preemption to pertain only to the manufacture and design of the aircraft. Local government could still enact their own rules if the federal government has not issues a specific rule on an issue. That amendment is supported by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)

National League of Cities official Matthew Collins told The Hill that some issues are best left for local governments to decide. 'The cities should have some degree of say as to when and where the drones are operating in their jurisdictions,” he said.

(Image from file)

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