NY S04839

Creates a new crime of "unlawfully operating an uncrewed aircraft over school grounds or critical infrastructure" when a drone intentionally hovers or remains below 250 feet above ground level, or makes contact with the property

Defines critical infrastructure to include electrical power systems, petroleum refineries, chemical manufacturing facilities, oil/gas pipelines, petroleum storage facilities, and water/wastewater treatment facilities that are fenced or posted with no-entry signs

Exempts federal and state government operations, law enforcement agencies, contractors working for government entities, and operators with prior written consent from school administrators or infrastructure operators

Permits drones that fly continuously (not hovering) at 250 feet or higher above school grounds or critical infrastructure

Classifies violations as a class B misdemeanor for first offense and class A misdemeanor for subsequent offenses, with an effective date of November 1 following enactment