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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: JUDE DP 4-2-1-0 | Third Read 16-13-1-0-0House: PSLE DP 6-5-0-3 |
SB 1627: schools; prohibition; unmanned aircraft
Sponsor: Senator Mesnard, LD 13
Caucus & COW
Overview
Prohibits a person from operating an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to photograph or loiter within 100 feet of, or above, an area used to provide instruction to students in grades 1 through 12.
History
Currently, a person is prohibited from operating a model aircraft or a civil unmanned aircraft if the operation: 1) is prohibited by a federal law or regulation that governs aeronautics, including federal aviation administration regulations; or 2) interferes with a law enforcement, firefighter or emergency operation. A person is also prohibited from operating or using an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to intentionally photograph or loiter over or near a critical facility in furtherance of any criminal offense. Additionally, a local government is prohibited from adopting any ordinance, policy or rule relating to the ownership or operation of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system or otherwise regulating such aircrafts or systems, unless as authorized by law (A.R.S. § 13-3729).
These prohibitions do not apply to a person or entity authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, or to the operation of an unmanned aircraft by a first responder acting in an official capacity. Furthermore, these prohibitions do not preclude local governments from adopting ordinances that regulate the takeoff or landing of model aircraft in parks or preserves owned by the local government, or the operation of a public unmanned aircraft owned by the local government (A.R.S. § 13-3729).
Intentionally photographing or loitering over or near a critical facility using an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system, in furtherance of a criminal offense, is classified as a Class 6 felony, whereas all other violations are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors (A.R.S. § 13-3729).
Provisions
1. Prohibits a person from operating or using an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to intentionally photograph or loiter within 100 feet of, or 100 feet above an area that is:
a. not zoned for residential use; and
b. used to provide instruction to students in kindergarten programs or students in grades 1 through 12. (Sec. 1)
2. Allows a person to operate or use an unmanned aircraft within the specified areas if:
a. the person has legal authority or administrative oversight over the area; or
b. the person obtains consent from another person with legal authority or administrative oversight over the area. (Sec. 1)
3. Classifies a violation of the prohibition as a Class 1 misdemeanor. (Sec. 1)
4. Replaces the statutory reference to the federal definition of model aircraft with the definition listed in the statute being referenced. (Sec. 1)
5. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)
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9. Initials NM/AI SB 1627
10. 3/24/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW
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