HB 1556 Summary

• Establishes the Oklahoma Unmanned Aerial Surveillance Act to regulate operation of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for surveillance purposes within the state.

• Prohibits surveillance by unmanned aircraft except when authorized by: law enforcement with valid search warrant, emergency response for missing persons, wildfire/disaster response, written consent of target, or surveillance of public land only.

• Creates penalties including misdemeanor charges (up to 1 year jail, $500-$5,000 fine) for unauthorized surveillance and felony charges (up to 10 years, $1,000-$10,000 fine) for operating weaponized unmanned aircraft.

• Allows incidental overflight above 500 feet for transit purposes without surveillance capability, but requires deletion of any data collected within 24 hours and prohibits use in legal proceedings.

• Permits civil actions against violators for treble damages plus punitive damages up to $50,000, and makes information obtained illegally inadmissible in court proceedings.