Language Updated To Better Define The Intent Of The Law

The sponsor of the Drone Innovation Act of 2017 introduced a year ago in the U.S. House of Representatives has provided details in the bill summary for the proposed legislation.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Jason Lewis (R-NV). The initial bill summary indicated that the bill would direct the DOT to publish a civil unmanned aircraft (drone) local operation policy framework in the Federal Register. The language has been expanded to explain that the framework "shall provide guidelines to standardize restrictions on the operation of drones and create an environment that encourages innovation and fosters the rapid integration of drones into the national airspace system. DOT shall establish pilot programs to provide technical assistance to governmental entities for regulating the operation of drones.

"DOT shall not authorize the operation of drones in local airspace above property where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy without the property owner's permission."

The bill specifies that not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall, after consultation with State, local, and Tribal officials, and other appropriate stakeholders, publish a civil unmanned aircraft local operation policy framework in the Federal Register.

In crafting the policy framework and in prescribing any future regulations or standards related to civil unmanned aircraft systems, the Secretary of Transportation shall define the scope of the preemptive effect of any civil unmanned aircraft regulations or standards pursuant to section 40103 or 41713 of title 49, United States Code. Such regulations or standards shall be limited to the extent necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system for interstate commerce, and shall preserve the legitimate interests of State, local, and Tribal governments, including—

• protecting public safety;
• protecting personal privacy;
• protecting property rights;
• managing land use; and
• restricting nuisances and noise pollution.

Not later than 9 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall enter into agreements with not less than 20 and not more than 30 State, local, or Tribal governments to establish pilot programs under which the Secretary shall provide technical assistance to such governments in regulating the operation of small and civil unmanned aircraft systems, including through the use of the latest available technologies for unmanned traffic management, notice, authorization, and situational awareness with respect to reasonable time, manner, and place limitations and restrictions pursuant to section 3 of the bill.

The bill has not yet been scheduled for consideration in the U.S. House.

FMI: www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2930/all-info