Criminal charges against Myron Dewey, the drone operator who documented the Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock last year, have been dismissed. Dewey faced stalking charges brought by the Morton County Sheriff's Office after he flew his drone over two hired security officers, reportedly trying to obtain images of their faces and license plate numbers. While … [Read more...] about Charges Dismissed Against Drone Operator Who Flew Over Pipeline Protest
State Drone Laws
New York State Proposes Bill to Amend Penal Code to Deal With Rogue Drones
A new drone law is under consideration in the New York State Senate. Introduced by Sen. Leroy Comrie, NY State Senate Bill S1979 is an amendment to the state penal law, which would make unlawful use of a drone a violation. The bill also defines "unlawful use" to include flight below 100 feet over private property. The bill, which would take effect in November of … [Read more...] about New York State Proposes Bill to Amend Penal Code to Deal With Rogue Drones
Singer vs. Newton: Drone Pilot Fights Against City Ordinance
Oral arguments will take place today in the case of Singer vs. Newton, MA; the first challenge of a local drone law to hit the courts in Massachusetts. Dr. Michael Singer is a doctor and drone pilot in the wealthy Boston suburb of Newton. He is representing himself in a case challenging the drone ordinance that the city enacted last December, one of the most restrictive … [Read more...] about Singer vs. Newton: Drone Pilot Fights Against City Ordinance
Figuring Out State and Local Drone Laws: Where to Find Them and How to Follow Them
State and Local drone laws have become even more complicated in recent months. With issues of FAA preemption in question, states are proposing drone regulations at a continually increasing rate. Current proposals in Congress which would protect states' rights to legislate drones - Sen. Dianne Feinstein's "Drone Federalism Act" - could only intensify the issue. "The states … [Read more...] about Figuring Out State and Local Drone Laws: Where to Find Them and How to Follow Them
New Texas Bill Restricts Drone Flight Over Farms
Texas lawmakers have introduced a drone regulation bill to designate farms "critical infrastructure," and restrict drone flight over them. Texas HB 1643 adds "concentrated animal feeding structure" to the list of 14 "critical infrastructure facilities" over which drones are not allowed to fly. The list also includes energy and telecommunications facilities, any of which are … [Read more...] about New Texas Bill Restricts Drone Flight Over Farms
