AL HB201

Prohibits operating unmanned aircraft systems within 500 horizontal feet or 400 vertical feet of public schools without consent from the school administrator, establishing a Class C misdemeanor violation.

Prohibits photographing or electronically recording public schools using unmanned aircraft systems within the specified distance, establishing a Class A misdemeanor violation.

Prohibits knowingly operating unmanned aircraft systems to photograph, record, or observe individuals where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy (including dwellings and fenced yards), establishing a Class A misdemeanor violation.

Increases vertical distance restriction for unmanned aircraft near correctional facilities from 200 feet to 400 feet and expands existing law to include surveillance activities.

Effective date of October 1, 2025.