Headed To Governor Ralph Northam's Desk For Final Approval

The Virginia legislature has passed a bill that makes "trespassing" using a drone illegal in the state. The bill is awaiting action by Governor Ralph Northam (D).

The bill, which was introduced by Delegate Christopher E. Collins (R), "prohibits any person, after being given actual notice to desist, from knowingly and intentionally causing any unmanned aircraft system to enter the property of another and come within 50 feet of a dwelling house with the specific intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass any other person. Violation of this provision is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor," according the bill summary posted on the Virginia legislature website.

"The bill prohibits anyone who is required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry from using or operating an unmanned aircraft system to knowingly and intentionally follow, contact, or capture images of another person without the permission of such person when images render the person recognizable by his face, likeness or other distinguishing characteristic. In addition, the bill prohibits any respondent of a protective order from using or operating an unmanned aircraft system to knowingly and intentionally follow, contact, or capture images of the petitioner of the protective order or any individual named in the protective order. Violation of these provisions is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor."

Such a violation is punishable by up to one year in prison.

Unmanned Aerial reports that the bill passed the legislature by a vote of 81-14 in the State House, and 40-0 in the State Senate. Northam has until April 9 to made a decision about signing the bill.

(Image from file)

FMI: Bill Summary, Original report