NJ A4621

Directs the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities and Department of Environmental Protection, to adopt rules permitting drone operations for infrastructure inspection

Authorizes public utilities, cable television companies, and telecommunications service providers to operate unmanned aircraft systems to assess, inspect, and maintain critical infrastructure they own or operate in New Jersey

Permits these entities to contract with third parties to conduct drone inspections, subject to Federal Aviation Administration regulations and state rules

Defines critical infrastructure as physical systems and assets so vital to the state that their incapacity would have debilitating impacts on security, economy, public health, or public safety

Requires all drone operations to comply with applicable federal aviation law and regulations, with no effect on federal preemption of state aviation law