NH SB49

Creates criminal penalties for operating small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) that interfere with law enforcement, firefighting, emergency response operations, or over military installations—misdemeanor for first offense, felony for subsequent offenses.

Establishes class A misdemeanor (felony for repeat offenses) for negligently operating drones that interfere with human-occupied aircraft or disrupt airport operations, escalating to class B felony if damage occurs and class A felony if a crash causes death or serious injury.

Prohibits drone operation over federal or state correctional facilities in FAA-restricted airspace, with class B felony penalties for delivering contraband or aiding prisoner escapes.

Makes possession or operation of drones equipped with weapons or projectile-firing capability a class B felony, with exemptions for law enforcement and bomb squad personnel.

Takes effect January 1, 2026, with indeterminable fiscal impact on state and local expenditures.