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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
House Engrossed
Overview
Prohibits a person from operating an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to photograph or loiter, for recreational purposes, 200 feet or less above a property used to provide instruction to students, if certain conditions apply.
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 an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to intentionally photograph or loiter 200 feet or less above a property if the person is operating the unmanned aircraft or aircraft system for recreational purposes and knows that the following apply:
a. the property is not zoned for residential use;
b. the property is used to provide instruction to students in kindergarten programs or students in grades 1 through 12 when school is in session or when activities are occurring on the property outside of normal hours;
c. the property owner or person with lawful control over the property has posted reasonable notice prohibiting entry on or over the property; and
d. a peace officer, the owner or a person with lawful control has notified the operator of the unmanned aircraft or aircraft system of the prohibition and given reasonable request to leave the property. (Sec. 1)
2. Specifies the prohibition does not apply to a person with legal authority or administrative oversight over the property, or a person who obtains consent from another person with such authority.
3. Classifies a violation of the prohibition as a class 3 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. 6/11/2026 Page 0 House Engrossed
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