LA HB261

Creates the crime of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system at a parade, prohibiting unauthorized drone operation over any permitted parade or parade route, including Mardi Gras celebrations, school parades, and demonstrations

Penalties for violation include fines of $2,000 to $5,000, imprisonment up to one year with or without hard labor, and mandatory forfeiture of the drone

Authorizes law enforcement to take mitigation measures against drones operating in a "nefarious manner," including detection, tracking, jamming, hacking, or physical capture, when there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or imminent threat to public safety

Requires "Drone No Fly Zone" notices to be posted along parade routes and announced through local media or social media platforms; lack of knowledge of the restriction is not a defense

Exempts drones used for authorized motion picture, television, or similar film production from the parade restrictions