H1099 - Unmanned Aircraft Regulation Summary

• Prohibits unmanned aircraft systems from conducting surveillance of persons, dwellings, or private property without consent, and from photographing individuals without consent for publication, with exceptions for newsgathering and public events.

• Allows law enforcement to use unmanned aircraft systems under specific circumstances: counterterrorism operations, plain view surveillance, with search warrants, for imminent danger situations, or photographing public gatherings.

• Creates criminal penalties including Class H felony for interfering with manned aircraft, Class E felony for unmanned aircraft with weapons, and Class 1 misdemeanor for hunting or fishing with unmanned aircraft systems.

• Requires Division of Aviation to develop knowledge and skills tests for unmanned aircraft operation by May 31, 2015, and establishes licensing requirements for commercial operators including age 18+, valid driver's license, and test passage.

• Establishes civil liability allowing individuals $5,000 per photograph for violations, with reasonable attorney's fees and injunctive relief; prohibits evidence obtained in violation from being admissible except under good-faith belief of lawfulness.