SB1277

THE CONTEXT: It is unlawful for a person to operate a model aircraft or a civil unmanned aircraft if the operation: 1) is prohibited by a federal law or regulation that governs aeronautics, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations; or 2) interferes with a law enforcement, firefighter or emergency services operation. Furthermore, it is also unlawful for a person to operate or use an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to intentionally photograph or loiter over or near a critical facility in the furtherance of any criminal offence.

WHAT THE BILL DID: Deems it unlawful for a person to operate or use an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to intentionally photograph, record or otherwise observe another person in a private place where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to give the people who rely on the rule clearer information and a defined reporting process. It would deems it unlawful for a person to operate or use an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to intentionally photograph, record or otherwise observe another person in a private place where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and would also specifies that the unlawful operation or use of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to intentionally photograph, record or otherwise observe another person in a private place does not apply to a person or entity that is authorized or allowed by the person in the private place to operate or use an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.