HB 4868 Summary

• Amends the Michigan Aeronautics Code to add definitions for "unmanned aerial vehicle" (aircraft operated without direct human intervention) and "temporary commercial operations" (commercial operations not exceeding 120 days per calendar year).

• Prohibits individuals operating unmanned aerial vehicles for hobby or recreation purposes from knowingly obstructing public safety operations, interfering with public utilities, key facilities, correctional facilities, or public transportation services.

• Prohibits operating unmanned aerial vehicles to trespass on another person's property without lawful authority or to conduct eavesdropping and surveillance on others.

• Prohibits using unmanned aerial vehicles to commit felonies or misdemeanors under Michigan law.

• Makes violations a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 1 year or a fine of up to $1,000, or both; applies only to hobby and recreational use and does not prevent prosecution for other state law violations.