OH HB597

Prohibits knowingly operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) over schools, including public school districts, community schools, STEM schools, chartered nonpublic schools, and educational service centers

Exempts government/law enforcement operations, commercial drone operators with FAA authorization, persons with prior written consent from school officials, and children under 14 years of age

Authorizes principals, vice principals, and school resource officers to temporarily seize drones operating over schools to provide as evidence to law enforcement

Allows courts to dismiss charges for offenders under 17 years old who did not intend to cause physical harm or property damage, provided they receive a warning and complete a drone safety/aviation law education program established by the Director of Transportation

First offense is a minor misdemeanor; subsequent offenses are fourth degree misdemeanors