HB345 Summary

• Establishes the "Drone Regulation Over Alabama Prisons Act" creating new Article 6 in Chapter 7 of Title 13A of the Alabama Code addressing unmanned aircraft systems (drones) near Department of Corrections facilities.

• Makes it illegal to operate a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 200 feet vertically of a DOC facility, or to conduct surveillance or photograph such facilities; violations are Class C felonies with minimum fines of $2,500 and mandatory imprisonment of at least 30 days.

• Prohibits introducing or attempting to introduce contraband or drone parts into DOC facilities via unmanned aircraft systems; violations are Class C felonies with same penalties ($2,500 fine minimum and 30-day mandatory minimum sentence).

• Exempts authorized users including the Alabama Department of Corrections, federal-authorized operators, U.S. Armed Forces, Alabama National Guard, and others with prior written permission from the DOC Commissioner (contractors, law enforcement, emergency responders, public utilities).

• Authorizes the Department of Corrections to confiscate drones and attached property, weapons, or contraband, with forfeiture procedures following the same process as Section 20-2-93; becomes effective June 1, 2024.